Continuous High Blood Pressure Over Several Days
For the past couple of days, I’ve been experiencing elevated blood pressure, consistently around 140/90. To put it simply, I’m curious whether this ongoing increase in blood pressure might solely stem from anxiety. Interestingly, it even disturbs my sleep. I often wake up feeling my heart racing, so I take my blood pressure and it remains high. I visited my doctor yesterday, and while an EKG did show a minor spike, they didn’t seem overly worried, but they did recommend a referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation. As a 29-year-old male, I also had some blood tests done, which indicated the presence of ketones and a hematocrit level of 52. From what I’ve gathered through research, these might be linked to occasionally skipping meals, reducing my sugar intake, or not hydrating adequately. Alternatively, there could be a more serious underlying issue, but I wouldn’t be able to ascertain that without more targeted tests, so I’m trying to put it out of my mind for the weekend. I’m making an effort to avoid self-diagnosing since that hasn’t been beneficial for my anxiety or my blood pressure. Ideally, I want to believe that this is a mental health issue, and if I can manage my emotions better, I’ll return to feeling normal. However, it’s the persistent high blood pressure—even during sleep—that leaves me feeling unsettled. Normally, I wouldn’t measure my blood pressure during anxious moments (I only did so at my dad’s suggestion due to my heart palpitations), so it’s possible that my blood pressure remains elevated whenever I experience stress. I wouldn’t have known this, which is why I’m seeking advice.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 11:40:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you feel unsettled about your consistently elevated blood pressure, especially given your ongoing anxiety and heart palpitations. While anxiety can certainly contribute to temporary spikes in blood pressure, persistent high readings, especially when they disturb your sleep, should be approached thoughtfully.
Explanation
Blood pressure measured at 140/90 mmHg is considered elevated, and while anxiety can cause fluctuations, factors such as hydration, diet, and stress greatly influence blood pressure. Your blood tests suggest you might be experiencing the effects of not eating enough or not staying properly hydrated, which can lead to elevated ketone levels and hematocrit levels. These changes can contribute to how you feel physically and mentally.
Since your doctor has already made a referral to a cardiologist for further evaluation, it's essential to follow through with that process. They will help address whether there are underlying issues. In the meantime, managing anxiety and lifestyle factors can be beneficial.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Continue monitoring your blood pressure at the same times each day (preferably when you're relaxed). Keeping a log of these readings can help identify patterns and be useful for your cardiologist.
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Hydrate Adequately: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially if you are skipping meals. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water daily, adjusting more if you are active or in a hot environment.
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Balanced Nutrition: Try to eat balanced meals regularly, focusing on whole foods rich in nutrients. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels and can reduce ketones in your system.
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Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation strategies into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation, which may help lower both anxiety and blood pressure. Even 10-15 minutes daily could be beneficial.
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Sleep Hygiene: Establish a calming bedtime routine to address sleep disturbances. Avoid screens before bedtime, and consider engaging in calming activities like reading or taking a warm bath to improve your sleep quality.
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Follow up on Referrals: Make sure to attend your cardiologist appointment when scheduled. They may recommend additional tests or treatments that can provide peace of mind and ensure your heart health is monitored.
By addressing these areas, you may find improvements in both your blood pressure and anxiety levels. Remember, taking one step at a time can lead to meaningful changes. You're on the right path and seeking the proper support, so continue to prioritize your health.
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