Can anxiety cause low blood pressure?
Typically “no,” but
there are some situations and circumstances where anxiety
can indirectly cause low blood pressure. The medical
term for low blood pressure is Hypotension.
Generally, 120/80 is considered to be
normal blood pressure. Low blood pressure is considered
to be anything that falls below 90/60.
While anxiety doesn’t
typically cause low blood pressure, there are some situations
where anxiety may indirectly cause blood pressure to
drop below the normal range. For example, being exhausted,
adrenal fatigue, high stress, medications, and low blood
sugar can cause blood pressure readings to be lower than
normal.
Symptoms of low blood pressure include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Lack of concentration
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Cold, clammy, pale skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Thirst
Because many of the symptoms of low blood
pressure are similar to those of stress (including anxiety-caused
stress), and since there are many medical conditions that
can cause low blood pressure and low blood pressure-like
symptoms, we recommend that all new, changing, and persistent
symptoms be discussed with your doctor.
Other causes of low blood pressure include:
- Pregnancy
- Heart problems
- Endocrine problems
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Severe infection
- Allergic reaction
- Nutritional deficiencies
Regular deep relaxation, stress reduction,
regular mild exercise, proper diet, good sleep habits,
and addressing the underlying factors associated with your
anxiety will help to eliminate the indirect consequences
that can cause low blood pressure.
For a list of common anxiety symptoms, see
our section on Anxiety
Symptoms.
Members can find a more comprehensive listing, including
descriptions, reasons why they occur, and tips on how
to eliminate them in Chapter 9 in the member's area
of our website. |
