Your Anxiety Attack Was Actually a BP Spike AND Here’s How to Tell
Let’s set the scene. It’s 11:47 PM. You’re lying in bed, phone on your chest, overthinking that one awkward text you sent six hours ago or worrying about a big day that may be upcoming. Suddenly ... your heart is pounding, you’re short of breath, your hands are cold, and you're googling “Am I dying?”
We’ve all been there. But what if what you thought was an anxiety attack was actually a spike in your blood pressure?
What Do Anxiety and High BP Have in Common ?
Anxiety and a BP spike both cause:
- Fast heart rate
- Sweaty palms
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest discomfort
So… how do you know which one it is?
Applying The 60-Second Reality Check :
- Grab your digital BP monitor.
- Sit down, breathe slowly for 1-2 minutes
- Take your reading.
If your BP is over 140/90, and this happens often when you feel anxious , your body might be telling you something deeper is up.
Pro tip: High BP isn’t always about bad food or old age. It can be stress-induced, sleep-related, or even hormonal.
Why Does It Even Matter ?
If you're in your 20s and already dealing with BP spikes during stress, that’s not “normal student stress.” That’s your body waving a red flag 🚩.
What to do:
- Monitor regularly
- Reduce caffeine when anxious
- Track your patterns (stress, food, sleep)
- Consult a doc if it happens more than twice a week
- Start including deep breathing or meditation 5 minutes daily & trust us, your nervous system will thank you.
BP monitors = mental peace. Because nothing eases anxiety like knowing you’re not actually dying. And once you start tracking, you’ll begin seeing the links between your emotions and your physical health.