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Anxiety and blood pressure

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
I'm 31 years old and suffer from anxiety. I took my blood pressure at about 3.30am and it was 152/100. Is that too high? Should I take medication, since I'm not taking anything for high blood pressure?

answer
Anxiety can cause your blood pressure to rise. It is important to have your BP checked regularly by your doctor as, if it is persistently raised (above 140/90mmHg) you may need treatment. Your GP can also refer you for cognitive behaviour therapy or counselling to help reduce anxiety, too. You will find it helpful to contact No Panic, the national charity that helps people with all types of anxiety disorder. They received 35,000 calls on their free help line last year. You can contact them on 0808 808 0545, between 10am and 10pm every day.

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