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Anxiety from high BP, or high BP from anziety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/18/2015 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone tried to figure this question out here?

First time posting, I'm from the lyme forum. Lyme effects everything and can take forever to heal, so sometimes you just have to treat the symptoms individually till things (if things) heal.

Many with lyme develop anxiety - which lyme can effect the endo system, neurotransmitters, and heart.

I get morning anziety in the form of nervousness and hand tremors. I barely deal with it, I do function, some days are quite difficult at work. So part is stress, which you cannot avoid unless your wealthy. My BP can go up to 155 sometimes. So I'm debating trying to deal with this from nuero meds or heart meds. Both have side effects I dont want.

I was told zoloft can make tremors worse. I tried that in the past, it made me an emotionless zombie, my humor disappeared! I think it cause depression too.

I tried treating the adrenal glands - no luck calming me.

Get enough exercise and relaxation time- but none of that lasts, despite what is written for coping with anxiety.
Posted 1/19/2015 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi A.M., and welcome to the A/P!

Is your BP running high at all times? I ask, because fluxuations are not unusual, and many doctors are content with allowing their patient's to go without medication as long as the average numbers of the BP are within range.

For example, say you are running normal/low ordinarily...but face a stressful temporary situation, where you may have a spike. The short duration of the elelvated BP is usually not considered a risk, since your overall numbers are good the majority of the time.

However, if it turns out you do need an Rx for healthy BP management...

Have you dicussed a beta blocker with your doctor yet? These seem to have the dual ability to both lower BP and anxiety. I would do some research if you've not already.

I hope you find the answers that you need, and a good plan of treatment. Post with us anytime.:)

S.C.
Posted 1/19/2015 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
My BP fluctuates from 120/70 to 155/82.

Since I'm almost 50, Dr said this should be tracked.

I just picked up a BP meter so I can log it AM, early PM and late PM.

The BP meds seem pretty hard core.

Will some anxiety meds lower BP as well -from a mental angle vs a physical angle (BP meds).?
Posted 1/19/2015 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Yes...Beta Blockers are used 'off label' for anxiety...but are primarily a BP Rx.

S.C.
Posted 1/19/2015 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I love this question. Which came first the anxiety or the high blood pressure/spikes?

I have this issue. Sometimes my pressure is normal and often it can go higher. I'm not on meds at this time.
Posted 1/19/2015 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
tela44 -

There was a time when Drs would diagnose, do a little research on the patient, before just handing out meds that only cover up the problems.

Now its the patients job to figure it out.

Thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar, the heart itself as well as neurotransmitters (amino acids) all can be tied to anxiety, since they all feed off each other. Its all part of a complicated picture, that I'm trying to figure out for myself..

Many heart attacks are caused from adrenal surges from weak unbalanced adrenals. Beta blockers dont fix the adrenals, they block the adrenalin receptors in cells of smooth muscle (the heart is smooth muscle) - its a big band aid, even though they work for some people.

let the fun begin........
Posted 1/19/2015 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
For me personally, I know that my BP runs very normal historically in my medical records; usually around 110/74. It gets to about 145/86 or something like that during times of panic. A good thing to do may be to check with your doctor and see what your BP has been at physicals or other visits. I also have a cuff at home because I had to monitor while pregnant, so if I'm really curious, I can check at home. Good luck!
Posted 1/19/2015 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
My wife is a nurse so we have a pump at home. My blood pressure runs about the same range as Park's and definitely goes up when my anxiety kicks in.
Posted 1/20/2015 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
My therapist suggested that I mend my adrenals. I'm not really sure how to do that. Can a doctor help with that or is it beyond their understanding?
Posted 1/20/2015 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
tela44 -

That takes time and trial and error. Conventional Drs dont treat or believe in adrenal fatigue. You need NP Dr, Holistic, or Functional Md. Its more difficult to do if you have high stress levels.

Goggle adrenal fatigue - a lot of info out there. Its treated with natural supplements and some times things like AdrenaCalm.
Posted 1/20/2015 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks astroman. I just purchased a kindle book on the subject. My therapist did say I could see an np or functional doctor for diagnosis. That may be the next step.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
When my anxiety spikes, so does my blood pressure!
But its mainly the top number.
Posted 1/21/2015 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
tela44-

Goggle Dr Lam

Adrenal info overdrive on his site. But he doesnt tell you how to treat it- you have to pay I sure.
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