This article outlines how acute stress can mimic or trigger high blood pressure
and stroke symptoms, even in individuals without heart disease. It documents a
real-time medical episode, explains the physiological impact of caregiver
stress, and offers practical steps for managing anxiety while caring for a
critically ill loved one. Readers will learn how to distinguish stress-related
symptoms from true hypertension, how to respond safely, and how to protect
their own health while caregiving.
Medical Episode
I experienced symptoms consistent with stroke risk: stomach tightness,
heartburn, indigestion, radiating arm pain, and chest pressure. My blood
pressure measured 169/90 dangerously high.
My physician had prescribed blood pressure medication to use as needed
due to white coat syndrome. I took the recommended dose. My blood pressure
dropped to 98/49. I was unable to walk. Instead of going to the hospital, I
drank caffeinated green tea. That raised my blood pressure to 110/70 still low,
but functional.
Key takeaway: stress alone can trigger stroke or heart attack, even without underlying heart disease or abnormal labs.
Caregiver Stress
I am a caregiver to my husband, who developed heart disease after COVID-19.
When we received his prognosis, I experienced acute stress: insomnia, loss of
appetite, inability to concentrate, and emotional collapse. I stayed awake for
seven consecutive nights, monitoring his breathing and keeping my phone ready
to call 911.
This level of stress is physically dangerous.
Action Steps for Caregivers
- Talk to your
physician about serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage anxiety.
- Use a baby
monitor to track your loved one’s breathing.
- Sleep in a
separate room to avoid exhaustion.
- Focus only on what you can control one day at a time.
Important Notes on SSRIs
- SSRIs are taken
daily, not “as needed.”
- Effects may
take 1–2 weeks to begin, with full impact in 6–8 weeks.
- Always consult
your physician before starting or adjusting any SSRI.
SSRIs are not sedatives. They help regulate emotional response over time, making them useful for caregivers under chronic stress. If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, insomnia, or emotional collapse, ask your doctor whether an SSRI is appropriate for your situation.
Closing Notes
Being a caregiver is never easy. You must learn to recognize the signs is it
high blood pressure or is it stress? I take my blood pressure three times a day
and manage my anxiety with SSRI medication. It’s the only thing that keeps me
emotionally strong enough to continue showing up. Monitoring your own health is
not optional it’s part of the caregiving role.
Related Articles You May Like
- Managing Caregiver Stress – National Institute on Aging
- Caregiving Stress May Increase Risk of High Blood
Pressure – NYU Langone Health
- How Caregiving Affects Your Health – VNS Health
- SSRIs: How They Work and Side Effects – Mayo Clinic
- Caregiving Strain Linked to Increased Stroke Risk –
American Heart Association
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