Stress and high blood pressure

Reducing stress can help lower high blood pressure. Stress is a normal part of life. But too much stress can lead to emotional, psychological and even physical problems - including heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pains or irregular heart beats.

How does stress contribute to heart disease?

Medical researchers aren’t sure exactly how stress increases the risk of heart disease. Stress itself might be a risk factor or it could be that high levels of stress make other risk factors worse (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure). For example, if you are under stress, your blood pressure goes up, you may overeat, you may exercise less and you may be more likely to smoke.

If stress itself is a risk factor for heart disease, it could be because chronic stress exposes your body to unhealthy, persistently elevated levels of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Studies also link stress to changes in the way blood clots, which increases the risk of heart attack.

What are the warning signs of stress?

When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signs that something is wrong. These physical, mental, emotional and behavioural signs of stress should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down. If you continue to be stressed and you don’t give your body a break, you are likely to develop health problems. You could also aggravate an existing illness.

Below are some common warning signs of stress.