Panic attacks and high blood pressure - Anxiety Support

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Panic attacks and high blood pressure

62 Replies

Does anyone else get elevated blood pressure when having a panic attack? I also get nauseous, head pressure, back pressure between my shoulder blades and chest pressure. Been to ER so many times, and never find anything serious.

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62 Replies

Yes! I called the paramedics a few nights ago and my bp was scary high! But as my panic attack subsidied my bp came back down to normal. I get the tightness in my chest and numbness in left arm. Scary stuff!

in reply to

I have also called the paramedics with all those same symptoms, it is scary! Thank you so much for replying. Even though I would not wish this on anyone, it good to know I am not alone.

in reply to

I think its reassuring when other people can relate to you. That way you know you aren't going crazy or going to drop dead, that it's just this stupid anxiety.

in reply to

Exactly Hdelmari, It is very reassuring...

nadarijaz profile image
nadarijaz in reply to

Thnaks for sharing. I also feel numbness in my left arm and i'm too much worried about chest pain and high bp

in reply to nadarijaz

It not a good feeling nadarijaz. It's awful what this anxiety does.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1

mightymouse1135, it happens to be a normal reaction of the body when it feels threatened or under attack. The only difference is that it is coming from our mind and not an outside source.

in reply to Agora1

It is amazing to realize that we do this with our own minds. Thank you so much Agora1!!

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to

mightmouse, the power of the mind is not to be looked down upon.

in reply to Agora1

Very true Agora1, the mind is very powerful, now I just need to use it in a more positive way. I am working on it.

Jodz profile image
Jodz

Yes mine sky rockets anything up to 190/110 , light headed, wanting to vomit and then really tired after and then get a headache

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Jodz

I've been there Jodz, like you my blood pressure would shoot up to 3 digits (top and bottom numbers) and I'm on blood pressure meds. Not everyone goes that high but it does happen. As long as it comes down to an average reading, it causes no harm. Only when it stays that high and people don't know about it, does it become a problem.

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to Agora1

Agora1 yes I'm in bp meds as well , but it's scary to know how high it goes . But I always remember the paramedics tell me it ok , it's normal when your having a panic attack . But I hate the feeling that im going to pass out when it goes high . Do you get that ?

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Jodz

Not really Jodz, it's more of a pressure feeling in my head. It's not the blood pressure being high that causes that feeling but our fear of those numbers. I'll never forget the time a man and his wife walked into the fire station and I was on call to take blood pressures that day. He looked great and had just walked several blocks to the station. When I took it, I couldn't hear the top number as well as the lower number being high. After a second try, I called my supervisor to take it and low and behold it was so dangerously high, we transported him to the hospital. The whole time he kept saying but I feel okay. That's when I knew it's people walking around with undisclosed high blood pressure that can have an event. By the way, his pressure was 320/225..

in reply to Agora1

Sometimes I get pressure in my head and/or weird sensations in my head. Then I take my BP, and it will be up.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to

mightmouse1135, it can happen but not always. It's sometimes a sign that you are dehydrated. Drinking water can help you rid yourself of that weird head sensation.

Today my head felt full and a little pressure, I took my b/p expecting it to be up, instead it was 120/80 pulse 69. So we can't always blame blood pressure on the way we feel. Even over breathing can cause that feeling or holding tension or stress in our jaws can produce that full feeling.

Try not to get too fixated on b/p, use relaxation and some deep breathing to feel a peace and calm and the head will feel better.

in reply to Agora1

Thank you so much Agora1 for all the great advice. I guess sometimes when caught up in a panic attack, I sometimes forget what to do, but you are so right about deep breathing helping.

marsbarr profile image
marsbarr in reply to Agora1

Wonderful answer Agora1

Lbk64 profile image
Lbk64 in reply to Agora1

Great advice Agora. I've noticed this too. Get the head feeling, check the BP and find it within normal. It's reassuring in an unusual way to know it's not BP but unnerving in another way to wonder what is causing it. I use the 4,7,8 breathing technique to help lower it when it is high. 4 seconds breathe in, hold for 7 then release for 8. 4 rounds in total. It's fast acting and really helps me to relax.

in reply to Lbk64

Same here Lbk64, I check my BP when having symptoms, and find it reassuring when my BP is normal. But still makes me wonder what is causing it. I use breathing techniques to help also. I will have to try your 4,7,8 technique. Thank you!!

Lbk64 profile image
Lbk64 in reply to

You're welcome mightymouse, I hope it helps :)

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to

Yes I know when it's high and then is the start of a panic attack

in reply to Agora1

Never even heard of those numbers! That's crazy!

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to

They said he could have stroked out on the spot and yet I think what saved him was he didn't suffer from anxiety and so he was calm and oblivious to his health issue. Go figure..

in reply to Agora1

That makes sense Agora1, all the more reason to learn to stay calm. But those are some high numbers that guy had!

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to Agora1

Omg that's terrible ....WOW

Mrmellow11 profile image
Mrmellow11 in reply to Agora1

My goodness and he had no symptoms??...was he older? Do you know how he made out?

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Mrmellow11

Mrmellow11, That was many years ago and I do not know how he made out short of he was hospitalized. Probably in his 60's, quite heavy, and the calmest person you could ever meet. Don't forget we don't know what his medical history was besides that. It just always stayed with me that the spikes in b/p that we may get are short lived as well as we are sensitive enough to sense it. It is not an issue for us.

Mrmellow11 profile image
Mrmellow11 in reply to Agora1

That's crazy he had no idea to that because I sure can tell quickly

NM13 profile image
NM13 in reply to Jodz

Yes it's scary

in reply to Jodz

Hi Jodz, That about how high mind goes, and all the same symptoms. Thank you so much for replying, I am glad I am not alone, even though I would not wish this on anyone.

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to

It's the worst feeling ever . Hate it

in reply to Jodz

Yes, I agree Jodz, it is the worst feeling ever, very scary.

in reply to Jodz

Whoa! That's high!

Debrajf profile image
Debrajf in reply to Jodz

Do you get skipped beats also ?

By the way, I am also taking BP meds. And when my BP goes up I feel nauseous and feel like I will pass out, it's awful!!

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to

Interesting that the 3 of us experience the same high blood pressure and are on medication. Talk about the power of the mind. :)

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to Agora1

Haha Agora1 so true

in reply to Agora1

Yes so very true Agora1!!

Jodz profile image
Jodz in reply to

Gez it's so good to be able to talk to others that have the same symptoms etc. But still bloody get Anxiety 😣

in reply to Jodz

I agree Jodz, it really is good to talk to others with the same symptoms. Just wish we could all kick this anxiety for good!!

Chicago22 profile image
Chicago22

Omg yes 169 over 100 and higher otherwise normal or lower

in reply to Chicago22

Same here Chicago22, my BP is normal or lower except when having these awful attacks. Sorry you are going through this to. And thank you so much for your reply. At least we know we are not alone.

Lbk64 profile image
Lbk64

Yes. I get that. My BP goes up with just feeling anxious sometimes. I think it's quite normal but people with anxiety are more sensitive to the changes in blood pressure etc. People who don't have anxiety or panic probably have high BP when they're a soon but don't notice it. That's what I believe anyway.

in reply to Lbk64

I think you're rightLbk64, people like us are more than likely highly sensitive people and notice every little change in our bodies. Thank you!!

Claudiaharris09 profile image
Claudiaharris09

My blood pressure goes out of the roof when I have panic attacks

I feel all the things gs that you mentioned!

It is very debilitating but I am trying hard to try to change my way of thinking...hardest thing I've ever had to deal with but I know we can do it!

in reply to Claudiaharris09

Thanks so much for your reply Claudiaharris09!! I agree, it is the hardest thing I've had to deal with, but I also believe we can get though this!! The way we think sure has a lot to do with it....

Anonymous- profile image
Anonymous-

Read about PseudoPheochromocytoma. You'll find it interesting.

in reply to Anonymous-

Wow!! Thanks anonymous!! I just looked it up and found it very interesting. Thanks again!!

Hi Whatnext, my BP when panicking varies from 140/90 to 200/100. The last time it was 167/93. Normally my BP is either normal or on the low side.

Jjppgh profile image
Jjppgh in reply to

How long till it comes down to normal?

Thanks for your reply Bobjensen!!

01021968 profile image
01021968

When you check your bp. You not feeling good. So you already thinking something's wrong. So it will be high mine will go to 150/90 with 99 pulse. Yes it sucks head hurts and other things some numbers I here on here are crazy. But I know it's is possible with anziaty

NM13 profile image
NM13

Me been back and forward to a and e for last 2 weeks it's so scary with high blood pressure they say it's anxiety

jackf4 profile image
jackf4

same with my experience, after having panic attacks. i feel off balance & lightheaded almost everday. been to ER many times, my BP reading was so high! from 140/80 to170/100! the doctor told me that i have hypertension. i was so scared! im just 23yrs old.but when i get calm my bp goes down to normal (specially at home). i think due to anxiey i developed the white coat syndrome.

the ecg, ultrasound, blood chem, xrays -all went normal! negative to heart attack or stroke as well.

i know this is just because of anxiety..

some days are better than others.

Thkdiffgirl profile image
Thkdiffgirl

I know fully know what you are dealing with. I have spent lots of money on emergency visits and all kinds of doctors . I just had an attack yesterday, while driving, out of the blue ..here it comes :( . I feel dizxy, heart starts pacing amd BP goes high like 150/110. It is really depressing at times, because no doctor can diagnose why I have these attacks after several years . I see a neuro next . Most doctors think its anxiety, but when it happens I am not stressed or upset ? I dont get , how come we have no control? I did have alot of trauma in my childhood/teenage years . Not sure if that has anything to do with it. But It is well over 20 years ago ! Good luck, hope you all feel better . You guys speaking out is comforting , good to know I am not the only one battling with this .

I do!!! And an elevated body temperature! Ive has so many tests to see why I have such an elevated temperature but now it is put down to my anxiety to the point where my BT can hit 37.8 no problems. My blood pressure goes up too but that’s completely normal as they say it’s the stress that is doing that.

Louisekrebs profile image
Louisekrebs

I called the paramedics when I was 16 because I was home alone and suddenly my heart made a weird sound and I couldn't breathe. My BPM was 140/80 or something like that. I was absolutely terrified. I had my first panic attack on Christmas in 2015 when I was 15. Now, I'm 17 and I can't believe it's been apart of my life for that long. Right now I should be sleeping, but my heart sounds and feels weird so I'mpn here. I hate this soooooo much

Gt2run profile image
Gt2run

Went to the Dr for 2 preop appts. Having surgery this Wednesday. My BP is always elevated when I go to the Dr. Had a full blown panic attack at the Drs office so my BP wouldn't come down as quickly as usual. This is the worst, have felt exhausted and crappy all day. Very nervous and sometimes it's so hard to calm down.

magdusia70 profile image
magdusia70

yes I do always before period. my blood presure was 97.

goggyforanxiety profile image
goggyforanxiety

Hi I am new here.

I can see the last chat was 5 yrs ago.

I recently have many episode of attacks. Heart beat race up very fast, but my arms will cramp up and have a sharp point to my heart. Lately I could feel that once my heart beat very fast, the lining of the heart felt hot. Any one has same symptoms?

Oh ya, high blood pressure too, been rangingin 155 to 175

OpenWindow profile image
OpenWindow in reply to goggyforanxiety

Go to the doctor. Now. High blood pressure is dangerous.

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