the Link Between Hypertension and Panic Disorders

Q: the Link Between Hypertension and Panic Disorders

Hello： First, thank you for your letter. <br>Hypertension is often asymptomatic. <br>To confirm a diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure must be measured in a calm state, and it should be elevated to make a definitive diagnosis. <br>Patients with panic disorder often experienc

Hypertension can trigger panic disorder?

Hello Doctor, I experienced my first panic attack due to a cold that triggered my blood pressure to rise to 180, which had never been that high before.
After seeing the doctor and resting, I couldn't sleep and kept thinking about a neighbor who had high blood pressure over 200 and suddenly passed away.
Suddenly, I started feeling unwell; when I got up to go downstairs, I began to feel dizzy and unsteady.
I managed to sit down in the living room chair, but my breathing became rapid, and I fainted for a few seconds.
It was the closest I had ever been to death.
After that, around the same time at dusk, I began to feel unwell again and frequently went to the emergency room.
I have been suffering from panic disorder for five years and have been on medication.
Recently, I stopped taking the medication because I hadn’t had an episode for over a year.
However, in the past few days, a cold triggered by a cold front caused my blood pressure to rise to 170 when I visited the clinic.
Every time I have a cold, my blood pressure is high, but I don’t usually check my blood pressure.
My mother has high blood pressure, and the doctor advised me to take antihypertensive medication, warning that not doing so could lead to a stroke.
This made me even more anxious.
I thought I was still young and didn’t want to start taking blood pressure medication too early.
Now, when I go to the outpatient clinic, I get very nervous about having my blood pressure measured.
Yesterday, I bought a blood pressure monitor to check my blood pressure when I feel comfortable to see if it’s normal and to determine if I really need to take medication.
When the pharmacy assistant tried to measure my blood pressure, I unexpectedly started to feel palpitations, and my chest and limbs felt cold.
This is always how my panic attacks begin.
The assistant didn’t measure it, but when I used the monitor at home, it read 205, which made me even more anxious and scared.
Later, my dad took me to a large hospital outpatient clinic, where my blood pressure was 185.
What frightens me is that when my blood pressure is over 200 or close to 200, I don’t feel any discomfort at all—no dizziness, no pain, and I can move normally, just a slight tremor in my body.
This is what scares me.
I am overweight and have severe anemia, but I usually don’t experience headaches or dizziness.
My blood tests show no high cholesterol or triglycerides.
I haven’t had a panic attack for over a year, but I didn’t expect it to return.
Although the symptoms are not as severe as before, I still feel very uneasy and worry about my blood pressure being high.
I’ve even started avoiding certain foods, hoping to improve my condition through weight loss, but I also have severe anemia, and I don’t know what to do.
Doctor, does anemia also affect high blood pressure and the occurrence of panic attacks? And why is my blood pressure so high without me feeling any discomfort? Thank you for your response.

mqq, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/01/15

Dr. Li Zhengfeng reply Psychiatry

Hello: First, thank you for your letter.
Hypertension is often asymptomatic.
To confirm a diagnosis of hypertension, blood pressure must be measured in a calm state, and it should be elevated to make a definitive diagnosis.
Patients with panic disorder often experience elevated blood pressure during episodes, but their blood pressure is normal at other times.
The exact cause of panic disorder is currently unknown, and its episodes are not related to anemia.
The causes of hypertension are also often unclear, but there is no absolute relationship with anemia.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2009/01/15

More Info

Hypertension and panic disorders can indeed be interconnected, and understanding this relationship is crucial for managing both conditions effectively.
Firstly, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. It is often asymptomatic, meaning many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms even when their blood pressure readings are significantly elevated. This can lead to a false sense of security, as you mentioned in your experience where your blood pressure reached dangerously high levels without any accompanying discomfort. This phenomenon can be particularly alarming, as it may create anxiety about the potential for severe health events, such as stroke or heart attack.

On the other hand, panic disorders are characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom. These panic attacks can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety about health issues, or even physical illness, such as a cold or flu, as you experienced. The physiological response during a panic attack can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, creating a vicious cycle where the fear of high blood pressure exacerbates anxiety, leading to further increases in blood pressure.

Your experience of feeling anxious about your blood pressure readings, especially after a history of panic attacks, is not uncommon. The anticipation of a panic attack can itself trigger symptoms, leading to a heightened state of anxiety. This can create a feedback loop where the fear of high blood pressure leads to panic, which in turn can cause further spikes in blood pressure.

Regarding your concerns about medication, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your individual situation. While you may feel hesitant about starting antihypertensive medication at a young age, untreated hypertension can lead to significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks of medication, considering your family history and current health status.

As for your question about anemia, it can indeed have an impact on blood pressure and overall health. Anemia can lead to increased heart rate and may cause the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen to tissues, potentially exacerbating feelings of anxiety and panic. Managing your anemia through dietary changes, supplements, or other treatments may help alleviate some of the symptoms you are experiencing.

To improve your overall health and manage both hypertension and panic disorder, consider the following strategies:
1. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your blood pressure at home, ideally at the same time each day. This can help you identify patterns and reduce anxiety about occasional high readings.

2. Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing sodium intake and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact blood pressure.

3. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

4. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental health.

5. Consultation with Professionals: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor both your blood pressure and mental health. If you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can provide therapy or counseling.

6. Medication Management: If prescribed medication for hypertension, take it as directed. Discuss any concerns about side effects or long-term use with your doctor.

In conclusion, the interplay between hypertension and panic disorders is complex, and addressing both conditions holistically is essential for your well-being. By adopting a proactive approach to your health, you can work towards managing your blood pressure and reducing anxiety effectively. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact on Blood Pressure: A Guide

Hello, Doctor: I often feel inexplicably anxious, with a rapid heartbeat and a sensation of shortness of breath. Whenever this happens, my blood pressure tends to rise, with a recorded high of 140/105. I previously had an electrocardiogram, and the report was normal. My usual blo...

Dr. Li Dong'an reply Internal Medicine
Hello Chris: 1. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg. However, it must be measured at least three times within two weeks, and the measurements should be taken under conditions of no stress (such as tension, an...

How Panic Attacks Affect Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Liver Function

Can physician-induced panic lead to elevated test values such as blood sugar, blood pressure, liver function, and triglycerides? Thank you.

Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, panic disorder is generally not directly related to common modern ailments known as "the three highs" (high blood lipids, high blood sugar, etc.). However, panic disorder may lead to changes in lifestyle, such as overeating when feeling down or experiencing poor ...

Managing Blood Pressure Anxiety: Tips for Patients with Panic Disorders

Hello Doctor: I had a cardiac ultrasound examination on March 27, and the doctor found issues with my mitral valve and cardiac hypertrophy. The doctor believes I have had hypertension for some time and advised me to start taking antihypertensive medication and to monitor my blood...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: Experiencing anxiety attacks while measuring blood pressure can indeed be distressing. However, since you are already on medication for anxiety and panic disorder, it would be advisable to consult your prescribing physician for solutions to this situation. In the meantime,...

Can Panic Disorder Lead to Sudden Death During Sleep?

Hello, I have a history of panic disorder for about 10 years and have been receiving treatment and medication from a family physician for many years. Recently, the frequency of daytime episodes has decreased. However, I often wake up during sleep (not necessarily from nightmares)...

Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry
Dear Dr. Wang Chong-Ren of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Panic disorders or emotional factors often lead to sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity, resulting in increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. However, these symptoms typically improve as emo...