High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a widespread condition affecting nearly 108 million adults in the United States. Although high blood pressure has numerous associated risk factors, one of the most prevalent is stress. To better understand this connection and what you can do to decrease your risks with the help of your family doctor, consult the guide below.

How Stress Impacts Blood Pressure

Research has proven that stress has a direct correlation to an individual's blood pressure. However, what isn't clear is whether the connection is a direct or indirect result of stress.

Feelings of stress cause the brain to increase its cortisol production, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response you feel during times of duress. This response's symptoms may include increased heart rate and narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases your blood pressure. Unfortunately, although cortisol production will subside and return to normal once you're no longer under stress, the damage to your blood vessels is permanent. Over time, this can lead to a permanent increase in blood pressure.

The indirect response of how an individual might choose to manage their stress also plays a role in hypertension. For example, if you try to unwind from an overwhelming day or event by eating fast food, drinking alcohol, or smoking tobacco products, you'll likely see an increase in blood pressure.

How to Reduce Stress

First, talk to your family doctor about how you're feeling. If they find that your stress is brought on by a medical condition, such as anxiety, they might be able to prescribe medication to ease your mood. Beyond that, there are several lifestyle habits you can make to alleviate overwhelming feelings. For example, consider taking up a low-impact exercise routine, such as yoga, which has been proven to decrease hypertension. You can also try deep breathing and meditation exercises to slow your heart rate and cortisol production.

If you're worried about hypertension, turn to the compassionate professionals at HDR Healthcare Network. These family doctors are proud to provide residents throughout Manhattan and the Bronx, NY, with a broad range of general and urgent care services designed to keep you healthy and happy. Call (929) 256-5005 to schedule an appointment today, and visit them online for more information on their offerings.