Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions of individuals worldwide, posing significant risks to heart health, stroke, and kidney function. While factors such as diet, physical activity, and genetics contribute to hypertension, stress is a major but often underestimated player in its progression. Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, triggering a cascade of physiological changes, including increased heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and elevated blood pressure. Chronic stress can keep these systems in overdrive, contributing to sustained hypertension. Behavioral psychology offers effective strategies for managing stress and its effects on blood pressure. This article explores the connection between hypertension and stress and provides practical, evidence-based techniques to reduce stress and support heart health.
