Question need personal experience on this.

[Armyguy]

So I have PTSD that I went thru CTP therapy for then in febuary it went to panic disorder that I went and been going to CBT for, well that has turned in to GAD now, it keeps morphing, well my BP has been up in the 140s to low 90s and I been having an anxiety cycle right now. When I am really relaxed its in the 114 over low 80s, the other night I had 4 panic attacks at school after 4 pm I calmed down, or so I thought until I felt this odd pressure in my head..... I stop by a bp machine after work and it reads 170 over 91 and the pressure in my head felt like someone stepping on my head and pulling a belt tight as hell. I felt woosy when I see it and take it again trying to relax it reads back to 140s over 90 but to be safe I went to the emergency room because I was concerned with that reading and what I was feeling. I go in there and its 130s over 80s and then went down to 114 over 85.... My question I'm normally thru out the day in the low 140s over low 90s and I know this is hypertension, 1 is it because of anxiety I have this issue? 2 should I go on an ssri to calm down and see if my my anxiety drops or take a blood pressure med? I've lost 60 pounds this year, trying to quit smoking, watching my salt intake, I'm a 31 year old male. Anxiety sucks and I know this is a grey area but I'm trying to weigh my options. Having bp in the 140s over low 90s isn't great but I was told it takes years and years and years for that to damage and a doctor said she suspected my 114 over 85 is more where I'm at When anxiety isn't there, so I'm worried if I do a bp med I'll go so low when my anxiety cycle breaks that I'll pass out and I'm not too thrilled about ssri's. Thanks you all. And you all suffering from anxiety my heart pours out for you all. Its not "just in our heads" this is a disease that needs more attention and research. Love you all!!!

[Agora1]

Hi Armyguy, Well first of all it is in our heads in that it's the first place it starts. From there it goes into physical symptoms. Yes and no to your answer about your blood pressure fluctuating. It's normal for the b/p to go up or down but anxiety can exaggerate it. At one time, I was fixated with my b/p as well. Constantly taking it and watching every number. Got anxious when it was too high as well as anxious if it got too low. You get to the point where you are afraid to move too much, go up steps, exercise in fear of the pressure going up. With people who suffer from anxiety, we want the reading to be "text book" perfect. The human body is not like that. It reacts to our every emotion and physical exertion. Know that b/p machines in the stores are not tested for accuracy. Plus not being in a relaxed environment can make the numbers seem higher than they really are.

Both numbers react to our stress, but having a higher reading with the lower number shows us that our bodies are not relaxed. Doctors may advise watching your salt intake, losing weight, not smoking, exercising etc. When b/p stays high all the time, over years it can cause harm. When b/p fluctuates because of anxiety disorder it can usually be put in check by developing meditation/relaxation techniques along with deep breathing.

There's also a right and wrong way of taking b/p. Give yourself 10 min of sitting before taking a reading. Have both feet planted on the ground. (do not cross your legs at your ankles or knees) . Have your arm extended on a table heart level high. Relax and take your pressure. You will get a truer reading. Medication is usually prescribed in chronic high blood pressure rather than the occasional bouts. I think if you stop taking your pressure it will alleviate a lot of your anxiety. Leave that for the doctor to do. The anticipation of taking your own b/p will automatically give a higher reading.

I hope that my input will help you understand the mechanics of blood pressure when dealing with an anxiety disorder. P.S. The higher number is Systolic, the lower number is Diastolic. It's time to move on and think about something else to do or you will find yourself in an anxious cycle all day long.

[Armyguy in reply to Agora1]

So you do believe my case of a spike was due to anxiety? As long as I know that I'm ok, I just never seen it that high. Thank you btw on your advice. I usually walk right in wait 2 mins max and take it lol. Might be why I'm in the 140s over 90s and after a few mins I dip in to the 130s over 80s. I'm still going to quit smoking and keep losing weight and yes you're right it is in our heads but it's not easy to just get over, you have to fight. Thanks for responding, you eased my mind a little bit.

[Lbk64 in reply to Agora1]

You always give fantastic advice Agora. I'm fixated on my bp at the moment and struggling not to take it all the time. It goes up and down. Most times in the 130s/80s. I do have spikes though which ups the anxiety. Last night was one of those. Struggling this morning and kerp taking it hoping it will be back in the 130s today. Life is so stressful sometimes. I don't really have anyone I can talk to that isn't judgemental. I love reading your adviceas it's always balanced and reassuring.

[Armyguy in reply to Lbk64]

Stop taking it. I did. Its not worth it. Get out and walk and everything. I got a at home health monitor, guess what? I noticed this today matter afact, when going in to Kroger or some where to take my BP my anxiety was up because I was work and busy with school so much, My pulse was always over 100 beats a minute. Today my heart at rest is 83 and I'm a smoker. This tells me that anxiety is raising my pulse and blood pressure and today I'm giving up smoking for good. Don't stress it. Need to get active tho bring it down just a tad, yours isn't harmful yet. Just relax and chill and enjoy life.

[Lbk64 in reply to Armyguy]

Yes.. i need to stop thinking about and focusing on it. I'll do some walking and try relaxing more. I need to change some things in my life I think.

[Agora1 in reply to Lbk64]

Thank you Lbk64.