Stress can cause a brief rise in blood pressure. The blood pressure usually return to the level it was before the stressor.

During stress, the  body releases a surge of hormones.

The stress hormones cause an increase  in heart rate and constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure.

Stress can also lead to increase in blood pressure indirectly by causing the individual to engage in activities such as: 

  • Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle 
  • Unhealthy eating
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Smoking 
  • Inability to adhere to antihypertensive medication (for persons with hypertension)

These changes increase the risk of developing complications of hypertension such as heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, the individual may succumb to anxiety and depression which further worsen their ability to manage their blood pressure.

It is important to adopt ways to manage stress by engaging in stress management activities such as exercise, meditation, therapy, and group support especially for people with hypertension.