... pressure until I started having anxiety and panic attacks
Panic Disorder - Does anyone have high blood pressure from anxiety? I always had normal blood?
Question posted by Bailey666 on 30 Jan 2014
Last updated on 4 December 2020
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
45 Answers Page 3
brownehn
20 Jan 2016
Hello. I'm new here. I bear striking similarities to many of you and I'd like to share my bp/anxiety experience. I had a fainting spell taking an overly hot bath for hemorrhoids on the 3rd and struck my head on something (dunno what - I was out.) I'm older than you guys generally but very very fit and my work involves a lot of aerobic labor (eg walking carrying a bag.) I'm not sure when the high bp started--on the 7th I was seeing a Dr for something unrelated and their bp measurement was normal. But my ability to handle stress was getting shakier and just last Mon. early in my work, which includes a 1 mile jog, I felt like I was in the grips of an anxiety attack and started to feel weaker than normal and diving a dumpster made me feel worse than normal etc. It turned out--I got it measured at two seperate places--my bp was in the 170s/100s WITHOUT any noticeable increase in pulse--crazy.
I had no history of hypertension before this. Could my concussion (tbi) be causing some kind of anxiety disorder?? Two days hence, with my home bp kit I find that my new bp when I'm not anxious is around 140 (systolic only--diastolic is generally good), about 20 points higher than I think it used to be. It seems to both come and go but also triggered by even little stressful things. . .like some of you pointed out you can go up thinking about things you have to do, anticipating a measurement in the Dr's office, white coats, etc. That is very similar to my problem. I think my brain has been injured.
Tlabug
7 Nov 2016
I'm o gld there is a topix on here of anxiety because I have had it since I was in my 20's, I take a half of Altenol which would be 25mg I'm taking buspirone, in saying that I'm having bad anxiety my BP goes up if I'm at the drs office I was doing real good until my doctor decides to take me off klonopin after I have been on them for 20 some years, Yes that long and put me on Buspirone and oh boy Anxiety has really set in my BP tonight is 143/100 it scares me so bad to even take and check my BP so I just want to thank everyone that has posted on here it just helps to know I'm not alone
Ramansingh
29 May 2017
I am suffering from panic attack for last 5 years..initially for 1 year I constantly thought I have cancer or other life threatening disease..doctors after thorough examination told I was suffering from panic attacks and prescribed medicines..which I took for 5-6 months..then I stopped taking it..the condition has gotten better as I don't have that frequent attacks..but still in my mind I think I have some deadly disease..then after 3 years doctors told you have high BP 160/100 and gave me medicine..but I didn't take them..thinking it will get alright by itself..but it has not gotten better but has worsened..and then later I developed chronic diarrhoea I went to a hospital in Delhi they did ultrasound of my stomach but they couldn't reach to any conclusion and gave me medication for diarrhoea control..but was not useful.it got right by itself but returns every now and then troubling me for week or so..but the diarrhoea doesn't make me weak..like any other ...
diarrhoea which make you weak due to loss of water and salt..
Sir if anyone can help me... I am very much confused terrified and lonely no one believes me.even doctors say you always come and waste our time..please help me..I always think I am gonna die in near future...
Please tell me if all these symptoms I have is because of panic attack or gad..I will be very thankful if anyone could help me..
mommy9109
22 Oct 2015
im a 47 hr old female i take lisinopil 40mg plus hctz 25mgs.I have really bad panic attacks just thinking about taking my blood pressure.And when they force me to let them take it at the dr, it just goes higher and higher!But as soon as they re done it just drops... it can go up to 240/120 i can feel my pulse go from the normal to 120-130..then when that blood pressure is taken and that fight or flight feeling is gone... im great..bu i they say we need to take it one more time before you go... same exact reaction... nothing works trying to takes deep breathes laying down ... nothing..it all started when i was pregnant with my oldest 24 years ago... had PIH and pre eclampsia.they would say. omg you are gonna have a seizure, and die... never did.. and had two other prgnancies..but i statred getting panic attacks at that time..they have never gone away..i went to therapy, desencitization therapy... nothing works the panic always comes back...
i mean ONLY WHEN MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS GOING TO BE TAKEN..thats it..and whats worse is.. if someone takes your bp who knows nothing about panic attacks... they freak out which makes it sky rocket!!! my dr knows me... so its much better at his office.. ..just wanna know if this particular thing happenes to anyone else?
Jenn85
26 Oct 2015
Hi, I have also been suffering from panic attacks since I got pregnant October 2014. It was an unexpected an unwanted pregnancy, but that's when the panic attacks started. The panic attacks were so severe that I ended up miscarrying. The panic attacks went away for a few months after the miscarriage . But for the past six months they have been back with a vengeance. I've been having severe panic attacks at least once a week for the past six months. I feel it's a part of my life now. But I'm trying the drug-free approach. I was on a small dose of Zoloft for a couple months, but I've since winged myself off.
A suggestion to everyone which has personally helped me is self help books , Learning about anxiety And panic attacks and how to overcome them . Also, research "adrenal fatigue", very interesting stuff. I also suggest cleansing your bodies of all toxins that are physical, such as : nail polish, shampoo, conditioner, soap's, make up, tanning spray, lotions etc. Go organic, and go on an adrenal fatigue friendly diet. Since I've started I haven't had one panic attack. I still get anxious, but I lay down for a few minutes with my eyes closed and put on ocean sounds which relaxes my brain and my body. Just some ideas that might help you all naturally.
More than anything I highly recommend finding out about adrenal fatigue and how to reverse it. I bought a book from eBay for $10 and it has been wonderful!
duende71
7 Nov 2015
I feel your pain... I been suffering from anxiety and panic for three years and I got the same problem with those hbp testers ... is the anticipation that releases all the adrenaline..and after it you calm down... I found out that that if you laugh internally when their taking your bp like you were remembering something really funny it releses the tension and your bp will be a lot lower ..also remember that is how you see things that makes you anxious ..not the things around you... best wishes
joycedweber
2 Dec 2015
I have been taking 25mg. (now 12.5mg.) once a day... for 2 and 1/2 years... was getting the "cough" was taken off of it for 9 and 1/2 mos then put back on it for 3 weeks now... just because my BP was 144/73 @doctor's office... he said I'd get a stroke if I don't take it... by the way, when I take it at home, it had been normal for 9 and 1/2 mos... also, does it matter where it is made??? Mine is made in China (from Walgreen's)
angels40
31 Dec 2015
Omg my blood pressure does the same thing, and its just when they take my blood pressure at doc. I go into full blown panic attack and once I calm down it goes back down to normal. Just seeing that someone else has the same problem makes me feel a sigh of relief that its not just me and I'm not crazy.
aonorat
23 Jan 2016
I am much older than you and have had the same BP issue for many years. I do tend to stress a lot but am otherwise fit an healthy. I also have a psychological aversion to resorting to medication. Everytime, I go to a doctor my BY reading, the upper number, is always high. Recently it was 184. Doctors agree I have "white coat syndrome" but keep pushing medication even though my home monitoring readings are generally always normal. At ious Doctors' suggestions I have tried two different meds Lisinopril an Losarton and am now trying a third Amlodipin. I had seriou8s side effects with the first two one so had to stop. Amlodipin. I understand the Doctors are trying to be helpful by minimizing BP peaks. However, I believe they might not realize the seriousness of the anxiety effects and their expressed conce3rns might just be compounding the problem. I have been through the deep breath routine,etc. but no help.
The unfortunate part of this is it makes me want to avoid the doctor rather than rely on him or her. I am very healthy, in good condition but this on-going BP drama is very frustrating.
fabann
2 Feb 2016
That happens to me I didn't think I suffered from anxiety until I have to get my bp taken my partner thinks im mad its so weird?
daddyrich
23 March 2016
OMG,so true.They think your dying and get you so worked up,its unreal.I delt with this same crap since i been 19 years old,Now at 47 i suffered all my life with anxiety and high bp,and white coats.Got off the crap bp meds for a while,cuz they freak you out too,i think?Been fighting this horrible feelings in life,wondering for a true fix?Guess what,i didnt find one yet.The only time my anxiety was down is and bp ,was when i had gallbladder problems and couldnt eat.So i started a clean out and diet change of fruits and veggies,and barley ate.Guess what the evil vilan was hiding.Once the stomach issue calmed down i started eating real foods again,and hes back to ruin my life again.So yes dear i feel for you.I wish we could lick this junk and have a normal life like everybody else.
TambraPlu
31 March 2016
Yes mommy it does, its a condition called white coat syndrome. You can actually ask you PCP about it. There are some people that get so much anxiety about the thought of having their BP taken that as soon as they think about it in the Drs office or see the machine, its over and on its way up.
I've been experiencing this myself lately, even though I've also been getting the HBP also at other times when I'm home. I lost my Mom in Sept. I'm 53 yrs old and I've had Panic attacks since I was 16. I had Therapy outpatient, inpatient, it the Panic, had me at one point so fearful that I didn't leave my home for almost 3 years. Then when I did I had to have safety points.
When I vacation I have to know where all hospitals and emergency sites are. I am Agoraphobic at times. I used to take Zoloft 100mgs daily and Klonopin 0.5 mgs daily. They now have m
TambraPlu
31 March 2016
Yes mommy it does, its a condition called white coat syndrome. You can actually ask you PCP about it. There are some people that get so much anxiety about the thought of having their BP taken that as soon as they think about it in the Drs office or see the machine, its over and on its way up.
I've been experiencing this myself lately, even though I've also been getting the HBP also at other times when I'm home. I lost my Mom in Sept. I'm 53 yrs old and I've had Panic attacks since I was 16. I had Therapy outpatient, inpatient, it the Panic, had me at one point so fearful that I didn't leave my home for almost 3 years. Then when I did I had to have safety points.
When I vacation I have to know where all hospitals and emergency sites are. I am Agoraphobic at times. I used to take Zoloft 100mgs daily and Klonopin 0.5 mgs daily. They now have m
Marissa4
14 April 2016
You have just described me ! I too started having crazy anxiety (I've always had it but not as bad) after getting preeclampsia with my son , I had a lot of problems in my pregnancy & it just made my anxiety sky rocket & even a year later I still can't step foot in a doctors office without having a panic attack & when I see a blood pressure machine my heart starts going a mile a minute & whoever takes my blood pressure thinks I'm like crazy & they make a huge deal if I have a high reading which makes me feel even worse ! I wouldn't wish what I feel on anybody else but I take comfort in knowing I'm not the only one
Spconley2010
31 Aug 2016
I have this exact same problem. Extreme anxiety around having my blood pressure taken that causes my blood pressure to sky rocket. The only time I feel like I am having an anxiety attack is when I am getting my blood pressure taken or thinking about having it take. I used to be able to take it at home and relax and get it down after a few times but the last time I tried I want from feeling perfectly relaxed to heart pounding 115 beats per minute and BP was like 180 over 110. So naturally it scared the crap out of me. I have an apt tomorrow and I am dreading having my BP taken. I am also on lisinopril and hctz due to having one kidney. At any rate it is somewhat comforting to know others have similar issues/phobias.
jemini48
19 Feb 2017
the story of my life since i was about 50. Went to a hospital with a bad burn on my foot (spilled coffee had flip-flops on). So i go there and expect them to treat it, and they say my BP is 150/90 or something and its high, you better look into that. Well, that was the beginning. Now it worries me all the time esp when i know i need to go to the Doctor about something. I take BP meds and they probably work, but at the Doc's office, it dont reflect that. It does come down after a few takes, but only with my regular Doc. These referral type visits where they dont know you, the Nurse, male or feamle usually freaks when taking it, so it never goes down. i feel your pain
Vreyes08
11 Aug 2017
I am 44 years old, female. I have a family history of high blood pressure. I have been on bp meds for about 10 years now. My bp goes up and down so I never know what is accurate. For the past month it has been from 120/83-160/100. I also suffer from anxiety my doctor want to put me on Effexor but that med raises BP. I don't know if my bp is truly high or is it my anxiety. Anyone has any suggestions for me I need help!
Vreyes08
11 Aug 2017
I am 44 years old, female. I have a family history of high blood pressure. I have been on bp meds for about 10 years now. My bp goes up and down so I never know what is accurate. For the past month it has been from 120/83-160/100. I also suffer from anxiety my doctor want to put me on Effexor but that med raises BP. I don't know if my bp is truly high or is it my anxiety. Anyone has any suggestions for me I need help!
PepperM
1 Sep 2015
Garcia2015. My BP is normal at 90/60 that is low for alot of people. I have anxiety attacks every day. Even when my BP is normal. Funny thing about me is when I have an attack my BP goes up to normal peoples normal. Does that make sense? But yes you can still have an attack if yourbp is normal.
Garcia2015
1 Sep 2015
My blood pressure is normal and I felt like I was having an anxiety attack my doc prescribed me Ativan if only I have a full blown anxiety attack but can u still have an anxiety attack if ur BP is normal??
Defector39
22 Sep 2015
Yes it's possible to have panic attack with normal blood pressure, I have them daily and blood pressure don't increase all the time (I measure it with my home monitoring blood pressure machine). I even faint from a very bad panic attack while I was driving my car 5 years ago. My cardiologist said its not usual to faint while having a panic attack cause it normally increase the blood pressure. Same for the pulse rate, usually with a panic attack it increase and can reach 150 and more. A panic attack without an increasing of pulse rate is not usual at all and never heard of it.
GenuineClass
21 July 2015
I am so happy to have found this thread. My BP has been high every time I visit a doctor lately and I don't know if it's white coat syndrome or not. I've had panic attacks since junior high and have been on Paxil for 15 years, with Xanax as needed. Today my dentist refused to give me my filling because my BP was 154/96. I told him that I've been concerned as well, and that I even have an appointment next Tuesday with a doctor to see what's going on, but he still wouldn't touch me. I walked out, embarrassed and I came home and cried because it was humiliating and he scared me a lot. I'm 35, have always been in excellent health and only recently noticed my HBP. when I take it at home (and I just started that because of the HBP at the dentist and my gynecologist appointments), it's usually 140/80something. I feel terrible about myself.
jodielee
24 July 2015
I've been on ramipril 5mg for 10 years. Ativan 1mg for panic attacks. If my bp spikes at home an ativan will bring down. Er and drs always very high... over 200.
past week at drs 240 2x
dentist 250 over 110... new dentist old one just died. I get so scared
..white coat etc... I'm sure I'm go I ng to have stroke... they give me ativan at er and send home
It goes down to 135/80 most times
..anyone else??
angels40
31 Dec 2015
I'm happy I found this thread too. I have the same issue... white coat syndrome and it didn't start until a few years ago, not sure what caused it. Its embarrassing and I just want to shy away and hide. Mine goes up to 170/90 and after I calm down it goes back to normal. I wish I knew what was causing it. I feel like a freak and I don't want to feel that way. So my doc prescribed me Prozac and set appt for counseling. ... hopefully this helps. What have you done to help your panic?
jemini48
19 Feb 2017
Nowadays they take your BP when removing your earwax. Its absurd. The Medical community is obsessed with BP and will fight efforts of those who manufacture software apps that measure BP and other vitals. Its all about money and control by the FDA and Drug companies. Take your BP at home as many times as you can and be relaxed. It may take awhile (it does me), but eventually you will tire of being worried about the cuff noise (or wrist inflation cuff) and just let it happen. then you'll get a good reading. If its good at home, then at the DR or Dentist its just anxiety, worry, adrenaline getting in the way of a correct reading. Dont believe the hype that a brief Dr visit where its high for 5 or 10 mins is going to damage your kidneys, heart etc. BS.
GWilkes2
20 April 2018
My white coat syndrome started when I was misdiagnosed and the M.D. didn't know the law related to not prescribing a medication without considering what else the patient was on. This caused a permanent heart condition - LBBB incomplete and intermittent - aka Sick Sinus Syndrome which presents as highly variable BP and Abnormal EKG's. I believe anyone would would get "white coat syndrome" after such experiences. In addition I'm 70+ years old. Yes, court action is pending... I don't know for sure if I've had panic attacks orPTSD. In fact, how would you know the difference? I could check my DSM-4 and DSM-5, or ask my therapist. But what difference does it make? The symptoms are the same... I have extremely high BP with great variations. I take 5 readings and document them and there are large variations within the 5 related to Diastolic, Systolic, and my pulse.
I've had a myomectomy for HCM/HOCM, but after the surgery and Cardio-rehab, my BP was 113/80. That was BEFORE the bad combinations of drugs were prescribed. And I WOULD HAVE had an opportunity for a long life based on my genetic history. One grandmother lived to 101 and the other to 90... My future is not certain, but I try to do my best. Cardiologists and Internal Medicine M.D.'s do not understand - and Psychiatrists were responsible for prescribing the meds that caused the problem. ER Doc's are equally bad. Causes of Death in the U.S.: #1- Heart Disease #2-Cancer #3 Medical Error. Who does the autopsy? M.D.'s. Likely the Medical errors are under-reported and the #1 is Medical error... and they "bury their mistakes". Again, Who wouldn't get white coat syndrome? Any thinking/rational person would!!! I'm beginning to believe that the "old timers" who wouldn't go to a doctor, were absolutely right. The odds were better if they stayed home and used proven home remedies. I suffer from extreme fatigue which is exacerbated by BP meds. And my providers have done nothing to help me get my long-term care insurance provider to honor my claim, subsequent appeal, and appeal again through SHIIP. Help from Elder Abuse/Neglect from N.C. Social Services. No, they also would do nothing... so I continue to write letters, file motions, complaints, and take my BP readings as my arrhythmia pounds in my chest.
So... can anyone answer how to tell the difference in a Panic Attack and PTSD? Or suggest something? I'm writing a Pro Se Complaint for Federal Court. The state court would do nothing... Don't think they know about Bill or Rights. We have a history of corruption in the state of N.C. and once again the U.S. Dept. of Justice is suing the state of N.C. for violations of those with disabilities. The corruption has spread through the courts, to NC DHHS, to hospitals, and beyond. Elder Justice laws at the state and federal level - meaningless to state officials. Victim's Rights - meaningless. Access to the courts - ignored,,, etc. ad nauseum. If I don't survive, I've given my attorney instructions in writing to sue on behalf of my estate - and the money will go to charity. And no attorney within the state will touch the case - because they have to practice their trade/livelihood in front of the courts... it's a "conflict of interest" for them...
Glen732
31 May 2015
How do you know what your blood pressure is when you are having a panick attack? Are you going off of numbers that a professional has taken when you have one and go to the hospital? Or are you going off of some machine you bought at wal mart when you are at home havin one? Just because you went to the hospital and had a panick attack and they sall these numbers and for some reason told you and now you are freaked out and constantly no untiring your Bp doesn't mean that it's always that high. If you really are having that high Bo every time you are having an attack and they are hoping more than 1-2 a month then you need to talk to your dr about not only being prescribed Ativan Xanax clo speak Valium one of these. But also a beta blocker like Metatoperol. You should ask your dr about beta blockers and if they are right for you. You shouldn't be taking your blood pressure when you are having a panick attack. This can do several things.
A give you a false reading because the machine you are undoubtably using is a home one. And if you are taking it yourself in your time of stress its going to be higher run it actually is. But back to the beta blocker. If it is that high. The beta blocker will block the adrenaline from your heart and also help regulate your Bloodpressure. Sounds to me like your pulse isn't really high so this is where it can get tricky. Because the beta blocker will lower your pulse as well as your blood pressure. Are you having normal Bo when you are not having a panick attack? If so then before getting on all these drugs figure out how to cope. No one in the world has normal blood pressure all the time. It's immoossiable. Even a pro athlete has hbp sometimes. Stress salt Intake transfers alcohol drugs medications pms birth control etc etc can all give you a little harder heart beat from time to time. My blood pressure could be 180-120 when I'm just sitting here worrying about bills. And then I could pop in a movie and by the end of it be at 110-65. The heart wants what the heart wants. If you aren't having hbp all the time and you exercise and eat better. I guarantee if you quit taking it when you hve a panick attack that it will actually be lower you just won't know it. Good luck. Sorry to hear about your job. Jobs come and go and your life you still will have maybe stop and take this time to appreciate just that?
Glen732
21 March 2015
Everybody is diffrent and stress and anxiety affects all of us in many diffrent ways. I am a walking talking proof of this. I have had anxiety attacks all my life and they have terrorized me in this regard sense i was about 20. When I first learned about blood pressure and what it is and how it affects your body I have obsesivly have taken mine. Let me tell you I am pretty healthy and mine when RELAXED is 120/80 or lower. The minute that I think about it or stress that number will jump higher and higher. And when i have an anxiety attack over it i can mentally make mine go up to 200-210/100-130 easy. But then as soon as I relaize that I am stressing and calm down it goes back to normal. When your bp goes this high it can take several days for it to stabilize again. I dont think this is dangerous if it happens here and ther. Lets put it this way.
When someone with HP takes there BP its never normal unless there on medication if you take your p and its low ever more than once and then you stress and it jumps up this is anxiety. You will be fine you jsut need to get your emotions and mind under control. This can be hard. but dont dwell on bp because it will destroy you it did me for a long time. My dr told me there are people out there that are walking around every day with 180/140 just thinking there fine. and this can go on for a long long time. Think of it this way when you have sex or excersise or anything like that take yur bp and tell me what it is. I bet its high high. But then it goes to normal so if your having BP issues from stress its just stress. and thats normal. Take a valium and take your BP if its stress it will be lower if your BP is just high benzos wont touch it.
bravoseychelles
7 April 2015
Hi all.
in hospital right now.
please describe a panic attack. Does it involve rushes of hot or cold from feet to arms.
does your face gets prickly but looks whitening.
Thanks
Glen732
6 May 2015
I battle with it still you just have to remember that you are going to be ok. When your Blood pressure gets that high just don't worry about it. You already hit your ceiling I would say. And no matter how much you try or worry about your vitals they aren't going to go down by you trying to control them. There are just some things in this world that you cant control and unfortuantly for people like us BP and pulse are one of them. I wouldn't look much into worrying about your blood pressure I was a med tech and sall people with BP higher than what you just said and got the number all the time no matter how calm they where. Hoenstly benzo's are going to be your best bet. They work but remember there not a silver bullet they just help you calm down there not going to stop them from happening that is up to you my friend you have to figure out what is troubling you and then face it.
Life is ahrder than it used to be I think but your not alone there are hundreds if not thousands of people who have anxiety attacks and there BP goes up to. I tried anti deprrestents and the ADJUSTMENT period was unbearable for my anxiety too. I find that staying bbusy staying the correct weegiht and staying away from stimulants like ciggs speed or even alcohol helps too. I have noticed that when I first started to get them that I was so worried about something being wrong with me that if I didn't get 8 hours of sleep a day I would have one And I thought I always had to strive for optimal health and that feeling sluggish and tired was more than that and there was something defistantling wrong with me. Then one day I just told myself that im going to have days where I don't feel good and that sucks but it makes the good ones all the much better. I would have your heart looked at EKG pictures of it with that radar thing and your hormones tested they collect your pee I think for like 72 hours and you can wear a bp cough attached to a battery for that long too I cant remember the name of the tests. Have your blood looked at if all things come back good than your fine and its anxiety. Which can be wrose than if something was wrong because now it cant just be fixed by someone else it needs to be fixed by you. SOCIALIZE GET OFF WEB MD DONT TAKE YOUR BP ALL THE TIME AND REMEBER YOUR GOING TO HAVE ANXIETY ATTACKS DEAL WITH THEM. have valium Xanax or whatever on hand and go out there and live your life. I struggle every single day. But I also thank whatever god there may be too for a chance to struggle.
Meli29
31 May 2015
I've dealt with anxiety for quite some time, worse when I was about 22-25 years old. Every now and then it creeps up on me, I am now 29. I've had several episodes and checked my BP and noticed it went up to 150/100... It's hard to deal and remain calm when u see such numbers, but one thing I've learnt is DO NOT obsess over it, it will only make matters worse.
joeyplay
4 Sep 2015
hey, your the only one I found on the Internet with your situation, I have the same thought/feeling the minute I think of high blood pressure and the other wild thoughts that pass through my mind I can just dwell on the fact that it will rise and what's worst is like you I can make it hit very high and I'm guessing as you said 200. how did you find you helped yourself? thanks.
ilvtfish
14 Nov 2015
Good Post Glen. I have had panic attacts since I was 28 and pulse rate and blood pressure go through the roof. I take valium
but only when needed now. My blood pressure and pulse rate are normal 115/70 and pulse rate at rest 53. I'm am now 77 years old and still this side of the grass. One thing I've learned over the years is to tell myself this attact is uncomferable but not life threating. Also I try to get my focus on something "it's difficult" else and the attact will subside rather rapidly.
Firsttimehighbp88
12 March 2018
I'm a first time high bp..i had a panic attack first time I'm 29..so scared went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack turned out it was a panic attack now last few days have had high blood pressure doctor check up tomorrow
Firsttimehighbp88
12 March 2018
I'm a first time high bp..i had a panic attack first time I'm 29..so scared went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack turned out it was a panic attack now last few days have had high blood pressure doctor check up tomorrow
Nattjenta
17 March 2015
Blood pressure is not something you should try to control on your own. I'm 68 year old female, who had an aortic dissection last year due to HBP. Not many survive this. My neurologist AND my cardiologist told me they had never seen anyone who survived it. I knew I had semi high BP, but didn't realize how damaging it could be. Now I am a semi invalid who has to keep my BP so low that it's hard to function. I take nine, NINE different BP medications twice a day to control it. My life has changed drastically. I sometimes faint when I stand up due to the level of my BP. I can most definitely say that if I'm upset about something, my BP will rise. If I take a Klonopin, it will go down within a half hour.
Please see your doctor and tell him everything you're worried about. Don't end up like me. I sailed along thinking I was able to treat myself. Look up aortic dissection on the internet, worst case scenario. You don't want this believe me.
consciously_anxious
17 March 2015
Hey Nattjenta!
Glad you here to share your story and that you've survived something horrific. Blessings to you.
In your 68 years of life, have you ever tried exercising, meditation, clean eating, yoga and/or intense therapy to get to to core root of your anxiety?
HBP a is something we all take very seriously. I have not been diagnosed with it but I believe pre-hypertension is totally reversible with the right resources. One thing I'm learning is that I takes hard work to keep all of your levels balanced.
Nattjenta
18 March 2015
Thanks consciously_anxious. To answer your questions, I didn't know I had a problem I needed to address until it my aortic dissection. I don't intend to delve into my "root" problems at this point in my life. This attack came out of the blue for me. I take quite a few supplements. Especially CoQ10, and assorted others. But I'm just trying to stay alive, and to that end, I listen to my doctors as to what I should and should not do. I don't have the luxury of time on my side. I should also mention that I am deaf, so things such as meditation using music or tapes is useless. I do appreciate your input, it could surely help a younger person.
consciously_anxious
18 March 2015
Oh I see! It's great to have you hear though. :)
consciously_anxious
16 March 2015
Hi All! I'm new to this forum. I'm a 32-Y/O who suffers with GAD. I've been dealing with this for three years. I'm seeing a counselor and a part of a support group. I am not on any medication but working out, doing yoga and running along with a balanced diet has helped tremendously. However, in the last three months, I've been having higher than normal readings at the doctor's office. From October-November 2014, I would suffer with palpitations; not everyday but enough for me to make an appointment. Luckily for me, my PCP is also a Cardiologist. In December, my initial BP reading was 140/100 (which I've never had before). It's always 120-something over 70-85 max. This was alarming, as I've just begun a vegan lifestyle so I was totally shocked. Before I left, she took my pressure again and it went down to 128/90. My follow-up & physical appt was two weeks ago and again, my reading was 140/100.
She took it several times throughout the visit. The last two readings were 138/93 & 135/84 - in which cases she said was normal for someone who has an anxiety disorder. Now she wants to follow-up with me every six-months. I'm afraid of going to the doctor now, as I don't want to end up on HBP meds. I'm too young for this and it's frustration b/c I've tried to do everything I possibly can to remain as healthy as possible. I now HBP can be controlled but it's one step in the wrong direction and it scares me.
How have all of you been able to deal with this?
marlem
17 March 2015
For the first time I had a panic attack and went to a walk in center and they took my bp and was 135/85 tonight after sitting and waiting for 20 minutes. It is usually 100/70 ish. I'm concerned. I feel like this is probably why the headaches/migraines and ear pain when having an attack. I'm 33. This is disconcerting. It seems like there must be something to do. I as well am healthy. I am concerned because all anyone wants to do is put me on ssris and I had bad experiences. Any suggestions for success?
lenza77
10 Sep 2015
Hi consciously_anxious. I just wanted to know how you're doing. I can totally relate to your story. I'm a 38 year old male with GAD. Right now I'm seeing a psychologist which I hope will help me to feel better, Especially at work I have awfull episodes of anxiety, however this is not my main fear. Like yourself, Im more worried about my BP when I have anxiety. It really frustrates me as Im trying lo leave a healthy life. A lot of physical excersise, healthy nutrition, no smoking, not too much alcohol, perfect weight etc etc. But when I have anxiety my BP goes up to 140-150 / 90-95.Like you Im afraid every time my doctor takes my BP. At home I have a BP device as well but even then I get so anxious that automatically my BP goes up to the values a described before. It scares me a lot and I really do not know what to do about it. Another strange fact is that a lot of times my heart rate is below 50, even 45 now and then when Im relaxt and lying down.
The only medicine that I'm taking right now is lorazepam to control my anxiety and this indeed calms me down and decreases my BP to normal levels. What I really want to avoid is taking BP medicines. It's crazy how anxiety has such an impact on someone's BP.
lomondgate
5 Oct 2015
This is my first time posting and I am so glad i stumbled on this site. I am 73 years old, female, very active and in good shape, I practice tai chi and some yoga, also strength training with weights. Unfortunately i suffer from high BP and anxiety, I am also super sensitive to medication and if theres a side effect I get it, mostly muscle pain. I am running out of options as far as medication and that is stressing me even more. I know that my anxiety raises my BP, I do have white coat syndrome thanks to a heart doctor who told me I could have a stroke on the way home if I didnt get that pressure down. I try and check it as home but honestly even the sound of the machine makes it go up..
My most recent medication was Clonidine which did lower my pressure but along with that it lowered my heart rate to 43 which made me so tired I could hardly function so I had to get weaned off that one.. I need alternative ways to deal with this, any feedback would be appreciated. I dont smoke or drink, I am about 10 lbs overweight which I am trying to correct, I just want my life back!!!
GarciaJ1234
8 Feb 2016
Like most of you, I experience HBP spikes during episodes of anxiety. During a recent cardiologist appointment, blood pressure went as high as 190/120. When I got home and measured BP a few hours later, it came down to 130/80. The high blood pressure problems are recent but anxiety has manifested for many years in a different form. Irregular heartbeats that last a couple of seconds that feel like a skipped heartbeat. Normally one does not feel their heartrate but after the skipped beat, there is a stronger more powerful beat that one can feel like a palpitation in the throat. When one of these episodes happen, I get anxiety accompanied with a rush of adrenaline and subsequent HBP. They can occur every week, month or even as sparsely as every couple of years. I have seen multiple cardiologist and other physicians and have had EKG's, echocardiograms and stress tests. All results seem to be normal but have yet to get a diagnosis. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms from anxiety which is a likely cause.
jerrycool
10 July 2016
i think you should try anxiaty medication i think we can both agree that anxiaty med are better to take than bp medication so calll a psychiatrist or your pcp and tell them you need anxiaty med just try it.
Boydsr
12 March 2017
I have a similar problem, I have moments or sometimes even days where I feel like my old self. Then times when for no apparent reason my bp is 150/95. It has spiked as high as 190l100. This makes me panic worse. Especially wwhen I rthink of some things ive read about bp ruining peoples kidneys, or causing a an aortic dissection which is often fatal. The bitch of it is that panic is self fueling. They have me of bp med, Hychlorothiazide 25 mg, and now on Paxil to calm, but doesnt seem to work, THe days when my head is clear an Im able to enjoy life do come about, Its when Im doing an activity or reading, in I can pill myself to do it. How are you making out with yours now without meds?
pestxterminator
25 Feb 2015
Anxiety definitely plays a part in my hypertension. I was diagnosed with panic disorder before hypertension, but now the anxiety makes the hbp harder to treat. So, now I take Amitriptilyne 25mg. at night for the anxiety. I also take Toprol XL 50 mg.and Norvasc 10 mg for hypertension. The only time I have trouble with spikes are when I go to the Dr. due to "white coat syndrome" I never get a good reading at the docs, but normal all the time at home.
mickey16
10 July 2017
At home my Bp with meds (2) is 135/60 10 years ago I had a reading of 220/120 at the doctors. Sever white coat syndrome. Now when I go to the doctor it is usually normal 120/80 or higher 170/100 depending on circumstances. What is interesting when I exercise it goes down. 10 seconds after exercising on the tred mill it was 140/80/ which show me that anxiety (just thinking about getting it checked) is the most important factor. During that time it was 130/80 at home. Now with a beta blocker , the pulse is 50, be is usually 135/60. I am hoping to lose more weight so I do not have to take the tablets. By the way, I am over 60 and the new numbers for bp are 150/90 as normal. check it out.
Veronica4sophia
23 Dec 2018
I have that same problem with white coat syndrome
Kitty
30 Jan 2014
At my worse with anxiety my BP went sky high. I took a Xanax and it
calmed it down. Only use Xanax for emergencies like that. MY BP
has also been normal.
Quando62
31 Jan 2014
I have had GAD, panic disorder along with HBP 15 years. YES, YES, and YES!!! ANXIETY has driven my blood pressure from a normal 120/70 to 180/160 many a time. Even worse now, I did have a heart attack 3 months ago and had 3 stents put in. BP great now, BUT, stress, worry and anxiety cause me to have irregular heartbeats and raise it, then the vicious circle of making anxiety worse and that making BP worse, back and forth. SO, a mild doseage of klonopin DOES take the BP and irregular heartbeat back to normal. Kinda a catch 22... Blessings
Lagrossa
31 Jan 2014
In the past when my BP has been very high I have gone to the medical centre They have given me 1mg of Lorazepam and waited half an hour and it has gone back to normal
Bailey666
1 Feb 2014
Kitty when you say sky high for bp how high does it get I am on Xanax too along with atenonol 25 mg for bp
Bailey666
1 Feb 2014
Quando did you have high cholesterol levels ? Glad to hear all went well with your surgery and you are recovering from your heart attack. Take care
JonNOVA
30 Jan 2014
Anxiety definitely drives up your BP. I'm physically active and my BP is normally 90-110 over 68 to 80. My diet makes it lower too.
However I was at the Dr during an attack and it was 160/100. I've checked it here and there during stressful times and it was up for sure.
In my view this is why getting meds for your anxiety is key. High BP damages your body!
Lagrossa
30 Jan 2014
My diastolic blood pressure rarely varies from 70 It is my systolic that varies with anxiety My pulse at rest is around 60
Bailey666
31 Jan 2014
JonNOVA what kind of diet are you on. I watch my sodium intake and stay away from coffee. I do miss having a hot cup of coffee or tea. Now are you on bp or anti anxiety meds
Lagrossa
31 Jan 2014
I follow a Mediterranean diet with lots of fresh fruit & veg I watch my sodium intake as best I can although this is often difficult when eating out I limit my coffee to one a day & have the occasional glass of red wine I no longer take anxiety drugs just BP medication
JonNOVA
31 Jan 2014
I'm not on any particular diet technically. I would say balanced and I eat no or little processed foods. I eat from scratch meals. The only processed good I consume is milk, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, pasta. I occasionally buy like canned tomatoes or beans but the ingredients has to be words I can spell and know lol. Like canned fire roasted tomatoes from whole foods. I do love Mediterranean food. It's easy light healthy tasty. I want to buy a book on the subject of mediterean food. I eat little salt. I drink one to two cups if coffee a day. Sometimes it amps me up too much. I'm on no meds at the moment. Well I take zyrtec almost daily. I have horrible sinuses. I take klonopin very rarely. I've been using counseling and changing my thoughts to address my anxiety lately. And overall it's working. Stopping drinking alcohol entirely helped me a lot. I'm trying to focus on improving my sinuses at the moment.
Bailey666
1 Feb 2014
Thanks for the input
mikki811
19 March 2015
Wellbutrin 3 times a day along with Xanax once a day works great 4 me. Wellbutrin works differently than Zoloft or the others. But yes ur blood pressure raises
Bailey666
30 Jan 2014
Lagrossa sorry I see u do take a bp pill which one are you taking ? And that's what makes me think taking bp pills and still bp high due from anxiety it makes you wonder why to keep taking it but I guess we really need to thou Do you monitor your bp at home
Lagrossa
30 Jan 2014
Bailey666 I take Valsartan & Bisoprolol in the morning and Amlodipine in the evening I have cut the dosage of Bisoprolol by half which seems to have helped I monitor my own blood pressure at home
Inactive
30 Jan 2014
Yes my bp goes up anytime I know I have to go somewhere or do something. They have me on Valium for 10 months added Zoloft then had to take me off Zoloft. I've tried several antidepressants and my body is too sensitive for them so now I am at 20 mg throughout the day and it's still not helping. I'm one of those odd people that Valium doesn't affect. I also get headaches/migraines from getting so anxious and I can get those just sitting at home thinking about what I have to do or do the next day. I know how you feel with the bp. Mine got up to 171/116 the other day and I was just sitting at home watching tv.
Bailey666
31 Jan 2014
AshtonJ I feel that my bp goes up when I just think about me checking it lol So you are no longer taking Zoloft then, did your dr prescribe you something else in place of Zoloft ? Are you prescribe a bp pill. Anxiety is not fun dealing with I try doing relaxation techniques and thinking of pleasant places this too is difficult but I try.
Inactive
31 Jan 2014
No I was on bp meds but with the Valium can't take them and I have bradycardia when I sleep.
margaretblu
2 March 2015
Hi I am the same I suffer with anxiety I am on 10mg Citalpram and 40mg propranolol
Has anyone had a strange feeling inside I had that feeling today and I was sat watching TV my bp was 170 over 89
patm2k
10 Aug 2016
please, if you around , i want to tell you that what you described is exactly the same that happen to me. if just like i wrote the comment . i want to know if you could finally found a solution for this . thank you very much. (if you want to contact let me know.)
aamamc
30 Jan 2014
I take nebivolol for HBP and heart palps. I still get anxiety and panic attacks and they make my pressure readings go up. I've tried three different antidepressants to help with anxiety but I have had such bad reactions to all. Ugh, don't know what to do now.
Bailey666
30 Jan 2014
I am taking atenonol 25mg daily and Xanax as needed atenonol definitely helped my pulse rate it's now 60 a minute compared to over 100 I get upset just thinking I need my blood pressure checked but at least my pulse rate only goes up to 80 while my bp still goes up.
Lagrossa
30 Jan 2014
I take medications for high BP and suffer from high systolic readings at times around 170 which I am told is due to anxiety This has been confirmed by a 24 hour monitor I have tried anti depressants but I too suffer bad reactions The only solution the doctor seems to have is to increase the dose which I have refused
aamamc
30 Jan 2014
Has anyone tried or know of the effectiveness of St. John's wort? I'm thinking of trying it. I've heard it has great benefits without the nasty side effects of antidepressants?
Lagrossa
30 Jan 2014
I understand St John's Wort can interact with some medications I suggest you check first
Bailey666
30 Jan 2014
Lagrossa are you taking any type of blood pressure pill since it is from anxiety
Bailey666
1 Feb 2014
aamamic so you had no luck with meds for your panic attacks/anxiety
aamamc
1 Feb 2014
I had really bad reactions to Effexor, celexa, and Zoloft. Xanax and Ativan work great when an attack arises however I get the feeling my dr doesn't want to prescribe those regularly and keeps wanting me to try antidepressants. My reactions are so bad they scare me. I'm a mom to two babies with military spouse always in and out. I can't afford to be a guinea pig for different meds all the time. I just sometimes feel at a loss.
luvstotravel
3 Sep 2014
I just found this site. I too have anxiety when getting my bp checked. I can't even do it at home--- I get so nervous that it's going to be high, and it is. I can't seem to overcome this--- it's embarrassing as no one I know is like this.
Just passing a bp machine in a pharmacy makes my heart start racing. I have put off making a Dr appt for my yearly check because of this.
hannahbusa
17 Nov 2014
My Dr has me on bisoprolol 5mg specifically for anxiety following pancreatitis and kidney failure etc; it has transformed my life. I sleep longer and deeper and have noticed my concentration levels rise. I never had aggression issues, so cannot comment on those, but certainly do not now.
My pulse used to change rapidly with worry, its fairly well controlled now, the Dr is happy and so am I.
Debbiephome
5 May 2015
Hi I am new to the forum. I am a 57 year old female who has had blood pressure issues for about 5 years, I also have anxiety. I will wake up in the middle of the night feeling my heads throbbing and instantly know my blood pressure is high I . I check my blood pressure and it is usually 170 ish over 80 and I take it every 5 minutes for about 20 minutes and it goes down to normal 140 ish over 70. I take a few different blood pressure medicines as well as lorazepam. I have recently had a brain aneurysm Coiled. so my anxiety over something happening is even escalated by that fact. but usually during the day my blood pressure seems fine. I also have mild sleep songs. I have spoke with my doctor about this and he doesn't seem to think it's the anxiety that's bringing it up at night, perhaps a combination of sleep apnea and excit is what I'm thinking. I recently got a CPAP machine which gives me claustrophobic feeling, so you and more anxiety.
Bunnyowl
29 Dec 2015
We have similar problems on this board.
I've had anxiety problems before. I took Xanax
I just developed a blood pressure problem now
I am told it is for two reasons
Which probably we share this issue
My body is low in sulfur
I take sulfur crystals which I buy from Amazon
Mix a teaspoon in non chlorinated water twice a day
Also take a teaspoon of ceylon cinnamon and only Ceylon
I put that in in a tablespoon of raw honey
I do that twice a day.
The cinnamon and honey is high in sulfur
The nervous system can get oversensitive especially if you are low in gaba a neurotransmitter
Xanax provides the brain with gaba
Chamomile tea does
I also drink red wine as alcohol also provides the brain with gaba
PLEASE DONT HAVE XANAX WITH ALCOHOL DANGEROUS
Your nervous system controls the blood pressure
Increase the gaba to calm the nervous system down
MrsGray78
7 Dec 2016
Family members and I, have had panic disorder many years. Only RX that works for us is Zoloft/sertraline... good luck ask Dr.
MichikoP
6 June 2017
Try sleep study if you have sleep apnea. Many many people lowered BP by using CPAP...
Cowboymedic
15 March 2018
I've had anxiety with panic disorder since 2002 the only thing that works for me is Ativan 1 might was so bad I wouldn't leave my house got to the point I even had a gun to my head but I realized that dying was my fear anyway I have came along way since then I have taught myself to live with the anxiety don't give up the docs will hit the right medicine that works for you I can't and won't take a series anymore to many side effects...
GWilkes2
20 June 2018
I have your symptoms and have been diagnosed with PTSD. I also have been diagnosed with Long QT related to abnormal EKG's and LBBB related to electrical conduction. Further research is into nodes carrying those electrical conduits - two of them. One in the heart - "the AV node" (I think Atrioventricular node" . The other node is in our neck behind our carotid arteries. These are referred to as "vegas" nerves. Prior to that the controlling signals come from the brain stem. Electrical signals are generated by chemical reactions. The chemicals are hormones - stress hormones. The brain stem controls both the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system - parts of our autonomic nervous system. The parasympathetic and sympathetic systems work separately. One makes our BP go up (Hypertension) and one makes it go down (Hypotension). Hypertension/High BP can cause Kidney failure and/or stroke and/or heart attack.
Hypotension likewise can kill us when the pressure is too low to keep an adequate supply of blood to the brain. We will have shortness of breath, feel weak/faint, have blurred vision, dizzy, etc. We will have palpitations, tachycardia, and can have sudden death. The condition - rarely diagnosed because the symptoms are too erratic for a M.D. to document/catch on an EKG - but we feel/experience them. This condition is called Torsades de Pointes. Even a Holter Monitor for 48 hrs. missed my Hypotension because it came intermittently - and I didn't know why I was feeling so awful. The M.D.'s hadn't seen it, so they couldn't diagnose it. I was treated like I was imagining things - and I'd been diagnosed with PTSD - so in their minds, that confirmed that I likely was "Psychotic". I have worked a statistical analyst. For a year or two, I was taking my BP and home and recording it in a journal to share with my M.D. Sometime the samples would be high and sometimes low. We didn't know why or how to control it. I began doing "batch testing" - i.e. taking 5 BP readings back-to-back and looking at the variability within the 5 samples - and the range and standard deviation (in my head, not on paper). I found interesting relationships and correlations. I saw an inverse relationship in my pulse and systolic readings. I saw variations within the 5 samples. When my mind would drift to unpleasant things, I saw my systolic rise and I documented what I'd been thinking. And when my thoughts were positive - e.g. my dog came over to me - my systolic would go down.
Therefore, to assist your M.D., I recommend that you start keeping a journal and take 5 readings also. "Torsades" aka TdP aks Torsades de Pointes is considered a rare disease. Actually, I don't believe it is a rare disease. More correctly, I believe it is rarely diagnosed because the symptoms are so hard to document - and the condition is not of the "radar" or Cardiologists or other health care providers.
Feel free to take this information to your M.D. for consideration. I hope it helps... I know it is confusing... Perhaps through this sharing, my blessing to know statistics, will be helpful to you... and your M.D. to help others...
Related topics
high blood pressure, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, blood disorders, blood pressure, disorder, blood, pressure
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