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Caffeine, Anxiety, and High Blood Pressure

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Posted 5/31/2012 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I am new to this forum and I haven't ever posted anything like this before...but I have no insurance and I want to see if I'm the only one who has dealt with this.

I am a 31 year old female and last year I lost my job and, with it, my insurance. At the beginning of this month I went to a med clinic because I was feeling really bad. They determined that I have high blood pressure (which I knew but was not doing anything about) and that I had probably had a panic attack. I have anxiety from time to time that comes out of nowhere. For the next week I felt really icky and then happened to test my blood sugar. Long story short I determined that I was probably diabetic too. So I cut out carbs and everything that is yummy from my diet. I started exercising every day and have lost 13 pounds. Up until yesterday my blood pressure was averaging 145/90 (which I know is high...I am taking herbal supplements to bring it down). Yesterday, after a few months of not having any excessive amount of caffeine, I had a large diet coke and a large iced tea on basically an empty stomach. Stupid, I know. I felt ok, but then the crash came. After that I began to feel anxious and my blood pressure is now averaging 170/95. When I had calmed myself down I did get a reading of 150/90 though. I also didn't sleep more than 4 hours last night and I am still feeling anxious. My question is, can caffeine cause high blood pressure and anxiety? And does anyone have any advice about what to do to get my BP down fast? I thought about trying Apple Cider Vinegar. I will hopefully be getting insurance on the 1st of July (albeit expesive).

Thanks for any help!
Posted 6/1/2012 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi IA and welcome.

We really can't give you medical advice here, but I can help you with some recommendations on lowering you general anxiety levels...and then hopefully you can follow up with a doctor soon, when you get insured.:)

Exercise is probably one of the best things that you can do for your BP and anxiety, so keep it up! Walking briskly for at least 30 minutes at least 3 times a week will take care of the cardio part of your workout. Adding light weights and strengthening exercises on the other days will round out your regimine nicely.

The improvements on your diet are also good...well done, and keep up the good work on that. Yes, caffeine can increase anxiety in a lot of people, so avioding it as much as possible should help.

Yoga, meditation and breathing and relaxation exercises are the other things that are going to help you with anxiety (and most likely BP as well) We have some links that teach these in our Anxiety Resource Guide (main A/P page, 2nd post) Practice these daily and see how you feel.

Remember, none of this is a substitute for seeing your docotr...and even after lifestyle changes, you may still need help in the form of medication....but this is a good place to start, just see a doctor as soon as you can.

Keep talking with us as well. It is helpful to talk to others with similar issues. We understand and are here to support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 6/1/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum I am glad you have found us. As SC said we can not give medical advise so best to speak with your doctor regarding your blood pressure. I know that if I drink a lot of coffee it can make me more anxious as it is a stimulant so I would suggest you maybe lower your caffeine intake and see if that helps.

Well done on losing weight and if you can keep up the exercise as that really does improve anxiety and low mood. If you are not sleeping properly this will also increase your anxiety levels so try and relax the best you can. Keep us informed we are here to help.

Regards

Hibee
Posted 6/1/2012 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Insure_America,

Hello and welcome.  I agree with the wisdom of the members who have posted before me.  I do feel you have to deal with the BP and if that means starting on medication or whatever your Dr. advises you then I would follow his/her plan. 

Most physicians will prescribe a low sodium diet for high BP.  Here is a link to a low sodium eating plan.

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-low-sodium-diet-beyond-the-basics

As far as dx your self as diabetic, I would also strongly advice you to be tested by you Dr. to confirm this.

Controling your anxiey is key to dealing with any medical problem so I do hope you check out some of our resources to help you learn how to reduce your anxiety.

Keep on talking with us.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 6/8/2012 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses! It was a trying week for me emotionally with regards to anxiety. I have had it off and on for years and I think that this one was brought on by the caffeine. There is a lot of good news though! :) I have now lost a total of 16 pounds and my anxiety is all but gone. I have been walking in the morning and at night, and going to the gym. I started really watching how much sodium I eat and have cut that down as well. Tonight I had an average reading of 130/85. So not perfect, but much, much better. And I am feeling a ton better too. My blood sugar levels have evened out thanks to my diet and exercise. I am looking forward to getting insurance next month so that I can ask my doctor all of my questions!

Thanks again!!! It was a comfort to see all of your responses. smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/8/2012 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Great job on all of the postitive improvements to your lifestyle that you have made. The improvement to your health is already apparent, and I am sure that when you make it to your docotr's appointment, it will be all good news!

Keep up the good work, and continue to let us know how you are doing:)

S.C.
Posted 6/9/2012 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all, new here. I, too am plagued by high blood pressure when in an anxious or panic state. Although they say one cannot feel your blood press sure if it is high, I do. I take it and it's usually above 140/90, and then of course I panic and it goes higher. I have begun Cipralex 5mg one week ago after two week on Celexa. I feel dizzy much of the time, hopefully this will go away. I will be upping my dose to 10mg on Wednesday.
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