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Blood Pressure and Anxiety
Blood pressure and anxiety can go hand in hand considering that these days average people are exposed to so much stress and outside stimuli. There is a whole variety of different factors that can influence a blood pressure reading at any particular point in time. Some of these factors include a) individual health condition (i.e., liver and bladder problems, various aches, level of respiration), b) activity level (amount of exercise per day, mobility level), c) lifestyle (alcohol and nicotine consumption, preferred room and, subsequently, body temperature, type of diet and meals), d) and finally demographics (i.e., age, gender, and origine). All of these are important to keep in mind when taking blood pressure readings.
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It is important to create a certain microclimate when blood pressure measurements are performed. Get a person to a relaxed state of mind and set the room temperature to comfortable levels before attempting the procedure. Suggest that a person takes a relaxing walk or thinks of something positive before coming to have the blood pressure taken. If for some reason, you can not follow the above suggestions, be open to the fact that the blood pressure reading can be influenced by the outside conditions, and, therefore, may not be entirely accurate.
Blood pressure and anxiety are directly related. The blood pressure readings in anxious people have been known to be a lot higher (e.g., by 30mm Hg or higher). If you feel frightened or anxious before having your blood pressure measures, it may considerably affect your current reading. The anxiety levels usually subside once a person acclimates to the environment. It has been documented that on average, people tend to have higher readings when their pressure is taken by a doctor rather than a nurse. If you are one of the people who are scared of or unsure about doctors' visits, warn your medical professionals right away. They may be other ways for you to get an accurate blood pressure reading.
If you are the one checking other people's blood pressure, it is necessary to pay attention to such things as pulse rate and respiration. If the patient is breathing heavily and has a high pulse rate, it may be best to leave them for a while to allow for relaxation and self composure. Check back in a while to ensure the most accurate blood pressure reading.
Most of us want to be aware of our blood pressure levels. Therefore, the more you know about blood pressure, the less anxious you can be about this specific condition. If you keep all the above mentioned factors in mind, you will be in control of your blood pressure and anxiety.
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