Relationship between hypertension and anxiety
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Is high blood pressure and anxiety related? What is the best medication for high blood pressure and for anxiety?
A: High blood pressure is related to anxiety and stress. Regular exercise helps lower stress and blood pressure. In my opinion, having a regular exercise program is the best treatment for high blood pressure and anxiety. Unfortunately, sometimes a regular exercise program isn’t enough. Based on your medical history and exam findings, your doctor should know the best drug treatment for you.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Diet & Exercise, exercise program, high blood pressure, hypertension, stressAfraid of medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I am supposed to take the blood pressure medicine lotrel, well I haven’t started it yet. I’m kind of scared of medicine. Also I have anxiety, stress, and panic disorder. What are some things that could possibly help me overcome these problems?
A: Talk to your doctor about your problems and concerns. You may need to see a mental health provider. Ask your doctor about the RESPeRATE. It is very soothing to use so it might help with your anxiety in addition to helping lower your blood pressure.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, blood pressure, blood pressure medicine, hypertension, lotrel, medication, medicine, panic disorder, RESPeRATE, stressRESPeRATE and relaxation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: Is it advantageous to use the Resperate for non-high blood pressure issues? My son (age 21) has problems falling asleep and once he is asleep, he wakes up often.
A: The RESPeRATE is not harmful to use. It does not have side effects. Your son may find it very soothing to use, as it is indicated as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress. Many people report they sleep better with RESPeRATE use. My children have used the RESPeRATE to lower anxiety associated with taking major tests.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, high blood pressure, Misc, relaxation, RESPeRATE, side effect, side effects, SleepFear of measuring BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: I take Nadolol 20 mg once a day. My BP is high when I go to the doctor all the time, 150/100. My heart rate is generally in the 60s. I am afraid to take my blood pressure at home in fear that it is high. What can I do to get my fear of ‘the machine’ so that I can track my pressure at home. Will the Resperate system help with this?
A: The RESPeRATE is very soothing to use because of the personalized music that is generated. It is cleared for sale as a stress-reduction device. Focusing on the device melody certainly could serve as a distraction while monitoring your blood pressure. In addition regular use of the device can help keep your blood pressure in control. It is a good idea to take your blood pressure 2-3 times when monitoring to get an average reading.
Tags: Anxiety & Stress, blood pressure, fear, heart rate, Measuring Your BP, nadolol, stress reductionBlood pressure increased by stress and age
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 14 2009
Q: My blood pressure has always been around 120/70. I am 70 years old and in great health, don’t take any medication and exercise moderately. Last year we lost our child and grandson in an automobile accident. My BP is now running around 140-150/80. Will this return to normal as time passes or is this rise a permanent one that needs attention and medication?
A: It is every parent’s worse nightmare to outlive their children. Please accept my condolences. Your blood pressure is in the range where treatment is recommended. Systolic pressure goes up as a natural part of aging so it is unlikely this will go away. I suggest you consult with your doctor about the best treatment for you. RESPeRATE is a drug-free option to consider.
Tags: Anxiety & Stress, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, drug-free, systolicAnxiety and relaxation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: I do not have high blood pressure, but I do have trouble with anxiety that started after a tragic accident. I have taken zoloft for the last 8 years up to 150 mg daily now. How can I get to the point where I no longer need the zoloft or any other drug to ease the anxiety?
A: It sounds like you need to put the accident behind you and move on with your life. You can’t change the past but you can affect the future. A regular exercise program combined with relaxation techniques such as mindfulness can go a long way in helping to ease anxiety. Click here to locate a program near you. You may be interested to know that RESPeRATE is also indicated for the reduction of stress.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, mindfulness, stress reduction, zoloftRESPeRATE, paced breathing and migraines
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: While the RESPeRATE is marketed for lowering blood pressure, will it also work as a bio-feedback device? I am thinking of using it in terms of relaxation techniques for reduction of chronic migraine.
A: In his book, Chronic Headaches, Jonothan Borkum includes slow paced breathing as a technique to help treat chronic headaches. The RESPeRATE is a device that guides and slows breathing so it is likely it would be helpful although studies with the device have focused on hypertension. You may be interested to know that RESPeRATE is also indicated for the reduction of stress. The RESPeRATE forum includes postings regarding the experience of RESPeRATE users who suffer from migraines.
Tags: Anxiety & Stress, biofeedback, Jonothan Borkum, Medical Conditions, migraine, paced breathing, relaxationA physician who treats himself has a fool for a doctor
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 05 2009
Q: My husband has high blood pressure and he himself is a doctor but he is not taking care of himself, taking medicine when he “feels” that he has high blood pressure. Sometimes he becomes very angry. How can he control his stress and anger?
A: In addition to lowering blood pressure, many users feel use of the RESPeRATE helps reduce stress and anxiety. Personally, I find it very soothing, especially after a busy day. As a physician, your husband knows better than to treat himself. There was a saying at my medical school, “any physician who treats himself has a fool for a doctor.”
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, stressDoes Pexiva cause high blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: I have had high anxiety with panic attacks for many years. Now I am on the drug Pexiva to stop the attacks. I am better, but when I go to the doctor my blood pressure goes up because of my anxiety. Does Pexiva cause high blood pressure?
A: The drug you are on, Pexeva (paroxetine) is known to cause low blood pressure, not high blood pressure. It sounds like you might be suffering from “white coat hypertension”. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor. RESPeRATE has been shown to help with this condition.
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, panic attacks, white coat hypertensionStress and extremely elevated BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 21 2008
Q: If your BP goes extremely high under a stressful situation, does this do something to your body to cause the BP to stay elevated for several days?
A: Your body releases substances in periods of stress which elevate blood pressure. This is a protective mechanism of the body to help you get out of a bad situation. How long this effect lasts depends on the situation and how quickly it is resolved.
Tags: Anxiety & Stress, elevated, high
