What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes and fills with blood between beats. The normal range of diastolic blood pressure is between 60 and 90 mmHg and anything above 90 mmHg is considered high. When a person has high diastolic blood pressure, it means that the pressure in their arteries is higher than normal and can put them at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotional state of fear, worry, and unease, often caused by uncertainty or unfamiliarity with a situation. It can range from mild to severe and can affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Symptoms of anxiety can include feeling overwhelmed, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts.
Can Anxiety Cause High Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Yes, anxiety can cause high diastolic blood pressure. When a person is feeling anxious or stressed, their body releases hormones that cause their heart rate to increase and their blood vessels to constrict. This increases the pressure in the arteries and can cause the diastolic blood pressure to rise. This is why people with anxiety often experience high blood pressure when they are feeling stressed.
How to Manage Anxiety to Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure
There are several ways to manage anxiety that can help to lower diastolic blood pressure. The first is to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and guided imagery. These techniques can help to reduce stress and relax the body, which can help lower blood pressure. Another way to manage anxiety is to engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or biking. Exercise can help to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Finally, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional if anxiety is having a negative impact on life. They can help to develop a plan to manage anxiety and reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Anxiety can cause high diastolic blood pressure, but there are many ways to manage anxiety and reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Relaxation techniques, physical activity, and talking to a doctor or mental health professional can all help to reduce stress and lower diastolic blood pressure. It is important to remember that anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and that it can be managed with the help of a doctor or mental health professional.