I was diagnosed with mild anxiety 5months back. My symptoms include mild palpitations that last for 20-45 minutes. I had checked my BP once when I had these palpitations, it was 150/95. When I checked it otherwise when I wasn't anxious, it was 130/85. Does anxiety cause long term BP issues? I am currently on clonazepam 0.5 mg and etizolam 0.5 mg for anxiety. I am considering pranayam and yoga too as a longer term solution. Should I consider visiting a doctor for my BP or is it normal during anxiety?

Dr. Amit NagarkarPsychiatrist13yrs exp

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Anxiety affects your heart rate and muscle contractions and cause considerable stress. Long term anxiety can cause changes in blood pressure and lead to hypertension. A reduction in stress and anxiety with exercises, meditation, medications etc definitely reduces the blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure very 10-12 days so as to notice the change. Visit your psychiatrist at scheduled follow ups to consider modifications in medicines accordingly. Consult online for further queries and assitance. 

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