Locations:
Search IconSearch

How Stress Is Linked to High Blood Pressure

Daily stressors can increase BP in the moment, as well as contribute to habits that can feed long-term hypertension

Woman taking blood pressure with a cuff at home in kitchen

Feeling stressed? If so, you’re hardly alone, given that stress has been called the health epidemic of the 21st century. But have you ever wondered what all this stress means for your blood pressure?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

The answer, it turns out, is more complex than you might think. Let’s take a closer look with preventive cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD.

Does stress raise blood pressure?

Stressful moments can totally send your blood pressure (BP) skyrocketing. You feel it deep in your core, too, as your heart thumps harder and your nerves jangle with a fight-or-flight response.

“If we’re in a stressful situation, the normal physiologic response is to increase blood pressure,” explains Dr. Laffin. “But your body can handle these sorts of acute changes in blood pressure pretty well.”

And once the immediate stressor is gone, your BP should return to its typical level.

Of course, not all stress clocks out like it’s a shift worker. Chronic stress tends to linger — and that can contribute to a long list of physical symptoms, including high blood pressure (hypertension).

The connection between stress and hypertension

Researchers don’t know as much about the direct effects of long-term stress on blood pressure. But they do know that stress can impact lifestyle habits and increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health issues.

“Stress itself doesn’t necessarily cause sustained elevations in blood pressure,” says Dr. Laffin. “But it often has an impact on lifestyle factors, which can absolutely contribute to long-term elevations in blood pressure.”

Advertisement

When you’re chronically stressed, you can fall into habits that can lead to higher blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. These include:

It can be difficult to see when acute stress transitions to chronic stress. But seemingly “temporary” stressors that last for weeks can turn into chronic stressors that need to be addressed for the sake of your heart health.

“What we’re really worried about is chronically elevated blood pressure,” states Dr. Laffin.

Can lowering stress lower your BP?

Finding ways to better manage your stress can help keep your blood pressure from rising and staying at elevated levels, suggests Dr. Laffin. He suggests:

  • Focusing on fitness: “Working out regularly is a great way to feel better, decrease stress levels and better adapt to difficult situations,” says Dr. Laffin. The positive effects of exercise on heart health are also important for your blood pressure.
  • Catching ZZZs: The quantity and quality of your sleep matter for your BP. “For stable blood pressure, you need to get about six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep at night,” he advises.
  • Minimizing stressors: To reduce stress, you need to address its causes. Of course, that can be easier said than done when stressors involve your job or family. In these cases, additional steps, like therapy, may help you find coping strategies.
  • Adopting a heart-healthy diet: Foods high in sodium and saturated fats can increase blood pressure even before you add stress to the mix. Embracing a Mediterranean-style diet and eating more antioxidant-rich foods can help keep your BP down.
  • Calming techniques: Various forms of meditation can help you calm your mind and tamp down stress. There’s evidence that mindfulness-based stress reduction can lower BP within a few months.

Medications like beta-blockers may also be an option if stress seems to be driving blood pressure into danger zones. Antihypertensives can help bring down high blood pressure, too.

“But managing stress-related hypertension usually comes down to lifestyle,” clarifies Dr. Laffin. “Diet, exercise, sleep — those are all factors that play a big role in keeping your heart healthy.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Three sets of hands holding coffee mugs and cups, with blood pressure reader and cuff on table
February 21, 2025/Heart Health
Is Caffeine Raising Your Blood Pressure?

Moderation is best when consuming caffeinated drinks to avoid unhealthy spikes in BP

Infographic of ways to lower blood pressure, including exercise, the DASH diet and eat less sodium
February 6, 2025/Heart Health
8 Proven Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure

Medication, exercise and diet changes can all help

Person reclining on couch wearing compression socks
April 3, 2024/Heart Health
How To Raise Your Blood Pressure Immediately at Home

First things first — slowly sit or lie down

Blood pressure cuff on arm and blood pressure-reading device
February 27, 2024/Heart Health
Here’s What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

An ideal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic

beet and carrot juice in a glass surrounded by beets and carrots
February 1, 2024/Heart Health
Can Certain Drinks Lower Your Blood Pressure?

While not magic elixirs, some drinks like beet juice and skim milk may help keep numbers down

Female drinking large glass of water at home.
January 29, 2024/Heart Health
What To Do if Your Blood Pressure Is Too Low

Low blood pressure got you feeling down? Staying hydrated and wearing compression socks can help

Closeup of hands holding a glass of water and an aspirin
January 16, 2024/Heart Health
Can Aspirin Lower Blood Pressure?

Don’t believe the rumors about aspirin being a magic way to lower BP

Person using electronic blood pressure monitor at home.
November 7, 2023/Heart Health
Buying a Home Blood Pressure Monitor? 6 Things You Need To Know

Steer clear of bells and whistles — simple, affordable monitors are all you really need

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad