Is Stress Really Making Blood Pressure Rise? Here's the Explanation from an Expert

Illustration of a man experiencing stress (Photo: Freepik/jcomp)

JAKARTA - Stress not only affects mental conditions, but can also affect physical health, including blood pressure. Many people are unaware that when stress arises, whether due to work, personal problems, or daily pressures, the body reacts automatically.

In stressful conditions, the body activates a response known as fight-or-flight. This response triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which cause the heart rate to increase, blood vessels to narrow, and blood pressure to rise. If it occurs continuously, this condition can increase the risk of heart disorders.

"High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of blood pressing against the artery walls is persistently high," explains Dr. Nneoma Oparaji, internal medicine and lifestyle specialist in Oregon, USA, quoted from the Eating Well page.

"Unfortunately, the body cannot distinguish between a real emergency and everyday stress, so it responds by releasing the same stress hormones that increase blood pressure," he added.

Experts explain that stress is divided into two types, namely acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is usually temporary, such as when facing conflict or receiving bad news. In this condition, blood pressure will generally return to normal after the trigger is gone.

"Usually, after the trigger of situational stress (acute stress) is gone and a person no longer feels stressed, blood pressure will return to its original condition," said Erika Kawamura, Psy.D., DipACLM, a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania.

However, chronic stress that lasts a long time can have more serious effects. This condition makes the body constantly in standby mode, so blood pressure tends to remain high in the long term.

"Chronic stress often leads to long-term medical conditions such as hypertension or stroke," said Oparaji.

In addition, stress also often triggers unhealthy habits that worsen blood pressure conditions. For example, an uncontrolled diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, to smoking habits.

"When someone is chronically stressed, they tend to use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, or smoking, all of which can increase blood pressure," explains Kawamura.

However, acute stress should not be taken lightly. Repeated exposure to stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure that occur frequently and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term.

The causes of stress are also diverse, ranging from work, financial problems, relationships, to self-imposed pressure such as perfectionism or the habit of comparing yourself to others. Positive changes in life, such as starting a new job or moving to a new city, can also be a source of stress.

What needs to be aware of, high blood pressure often does not cause symptoms in the early stages. However, signs such as a fast heartbeat, tense muscles, shortness of breath, and feeling anxious can be an indication that the body is under pressure.

To manage stress and keep blood pressure stable, experts recommend a few simple steps. Among them are regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, and setting limits in daily life so that they are not easily burdened.

"Stress management recommendations include strategies that address both physical and mental and emotional aspects," said Kawamura.

In addition, regular health checks are also important, especially for those who have a history of hypertension in the family.

In the end, stress is indeed not completely avoidable. But with proper management, the impact on blood pressure and overall health can be minimized.