Hypertension & Stress, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Hypertension is a health disorder that affects a number of people across the globe. An increased blood pressure in the victim’s body characterizes this disorder. The disorder causes so many other related health problems to the victims. This is in addition to increased risk to the development of other health disorders and diseases, such as, heart problems. This disorder has been closely linked to stress, and stress related factors with more research taking place on the significant contribution that stress plays in the development of this disorder. This study will explore details on hypertension and its link with stress. The study will discuss the possible impacts of stress in the development of hypertension among its victims, and stress reduction programs that may be of great help in dealing with this challenge.

Impact of stress on the identified disease

Stress has been closely linked to the manifestation and maintenance of hypertension disease. It has a significant impact to the development of hypertension and its maintenance in a given person. First, it is responsible for strain. In this context, stress causes strain in the body by making the cardiovascular system to respond to it. Stress, which may be demonstrated through the physical, mental, emotional and in the sexual context, puts pressure on the cardiovascular system to respond to it. This may not directly lead to hypertension, but when such condition persists; hypertension develops (Adimabua & Awemu, 2013).

In addition, the cardiac output is increased by the brain; and this affects the hearty rate, and stroke volume. When one is stressed, and the mind is fully engaged, the heart rate has to increase to cope with the added stress. However, at times, the hearty rate does not increase proportional to the stress levels, which often leads to an increase in the stroke volume. The stroke volume (SV) must be proportional to the pulse-pressure [PP]. This leads to an increase in the pulse pressure, and if this case stays on for some time; one may develop hypertension.

Hypertension comes out, for the mechanism that leads to extremely high pulse pressures are referred to medically as “Hypertensive.” This is because it is often the direct cause of a high rate of stroke volume to heart rate. This often leads to high blood pressures, which may be distinguished from the normal high pressure, through recording the ratio of the pulse pressure [PP] to heart rate [HR]. An extremely high ratio indicates a hypertensive disorder in the said victim, and interventions may be required to deal with the problem. Healthy adults may report a ratio of 0.3 to 0.6, while elderly sclerotics may record a ratio of two, with hypertensive individuals recording above this figure (Adimabua & Awemu, 2013).

Stress is also linked to hypertension for causing anxiety. Stressful people are anxious on many issues, and this anxiety leads to more stress, and affects the working of the human organs. Stress related anxiety has been linked to hypertension. Anxiety has been found to cause a rise in the blood pressure by increasing the heart rate of the victims, through constricting the blood vessels. Stress related anxiety does not directly cause hypertension; instead, it causes a spike in blood pressure. When this anxiety persists and is constant, the person’s body may respond through increased blood pressure that may turn hypertensive.

In addition, stress affects the brain and the way it conducts its role. The mind is responsible for coordinating the flow of blood, and the running of key organs of the body including the kidney. The brain communicates to the body organs on what is needed to be done, when and in which way. When one is stressful, the brain may send other signals to the body. For instance, highly stressful conditions may lead the brain to send signals on the need for faster flow of blood to supply oxygen to the body. This may be evidenced by the high palpitations, sweating, and fast heart rate. When such stress levels are not controlled, they may lead to extreme high blood pressures leading to hypertension (Larkin, 2005).

It has also been established that stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressures elevation. Highly stressful conditions have been found to lead to repeated high blood pressure elevations, which have been linked to hypertensive conditions among individuals affected. In addition, highly stressful conditions in individuals have been found to lead to hypertension, through the stimulation of the nervous systems. Stress causes the stimulation of the nervous system, which results in the production of large amounts of vasoconstriction hormones, responsible for the increase in blood pressure (Losyk, 2005).

A number of stress risk factors that have been established to lead to high blood pressure include emotional distress, job strain, and white coat hypertension. It has been established that when either of these risk factors is coupled with highly stress producing factors, the blood pressure is affected. The blood pressure may be multiplied according to the level of risk factors that affect the given individual, and the approaches that are undertaken to deal with stress. When no timely interventions are undertaken to minimize the stress risks, the blood pressure may shoot up leading to hypertensive disorder.

Stress related hypertension also comes into play, because of other key behaviors demonstrated by stressful individuals. Numerous behaviors related to stress have been found to lead to hypertension. For instance, a number of stressed individuals have been found to engage in activities, such as, increased sleeping habits, and alcoholism. Alcoholism, and sleep deprivation have been found as among the key causes of hypertension. Individuals involved in these behaviors end up suffering from hypertensive traits and to suffering from hypertension (Larkin, 2005).

Stress has also been related to other behaviors such as, restlessness, anger, overeating. In many cases, stressed individuals take on behaviors, such as, overeating as a response to stress. This adds up to the problem of blood pressure, for the body has to cope with these changes. Overeating has been closely linked to high blood pressure, for it gives the body pressure to take on the food, and digest it into the system. In the event that such behavior is prolonged, the individual’s body becomes hypertensive, as the blood pressure has to shoot up in response to what the body is taking (Towner, 1998).

Stress has also been linked to hypertension, through other health conditions that stress brings on the victims, which if not contained leads to hypertension. Health conditions related to stressful people include isolation, depression, and anxiety. Anxiety, isolation from friends and family, and depression has been found to contribute to hypertension significantly. There is a possibility that the hormones produced when one is emotionally stressed acts on the arteries, and may damage the arteries leading to hypertension or heart disease.

Stress management programs

With a clear understanding of the adverse impacts that stresses has on the body and mind of an individual, it is vital to consider embracing stress management techniques that would address the problem. Stress leads to the deterioration of the health of the individual affected, thus, timely interventions should be undertaken to address it. There is need for stressed individuals to seek help in terms of taking the necessary steps to minimize or stop living stressful lives that may threaten to lead to hypertension or other health disorders. A number of health management techniques and approaches may be useful to achieve this goal.

First, there is need for the affected persons to consider ‘physical exercise’ as a way forward to minimizing stress in their life. Physical exercises has been established as one of the most effective stress management approaches that may be undertaken to deal with stressful conditions. The affected persons may take 30 to 60 minutes each day to devote it to exercises in an effort to reduce the stress levels. Exercises have been found to be effective in minimizing stress, and high blood pressure. Therefore, engaging in activities, such as, jogging, walking, cycling, and other physical activities one’s blood pressure may go down (Hindle, 2009).

The other technique of managing stress is through personal discipline and controls in making decisions and taking up commitments. Most of the stress that individuals suffer is brought about when individuals commit themselves to many responsibilities, and demands that they do not have the time, and resources to address. This strategy calls for personal discipline among the affected persons, a discipline that would allow them to say ‘no’ when they are not in a position to fulfill certain task or demand. The said individuals should have the discipline to avoid promising too much; instead, have a shorter list of manageable activities. This strategy has a high efficacy level, since it allows the individuals not to experience anxiety, or face pressure they cannot contain.

In addition, stressed individuals may effectively manage stress through proper time planning. Time management has been established as one of the most effective stress management technique for individuals suffering from stress. This strategy calls for the said individuals to take time and plan for their activities, how and when they would be done. It is important for individuals to get for themselves enough time to get things done. This is important in minimizing cases where too much is packed for one moment, and makes it difficult for implementation. Effective time management technique has been established to work effectively in addressing the issues at hand.

The other effective stress management technique is concentrating on positive thoughts. A stressful situation often draws many of its victims to concentrate on negative thoughts, and this may lead to depression. To control this, it may be necessary for the individuals affected to take on positive thoughts out of the challenges that are present. This can be done through engaging in activities, such as, progressive relaxation, positive meditation, music therapy, and open communication with friends and loved ones. This will help the affected persons to develop hope, which is a critical virtue in the healing process from stress (Conte, R.2003).

It may also be important for the affected persons to control their environment, and people around. Having the right people around when the situations are tough has been found to play an important role in helping an individual manage stress. This is by helping the person get rid of the stress that is caused by the said persons. This strategy also works by allowing an individual to get support to deal with the stressful situation at hand. This technique has been found to be effective in allowing the person to go beyond the problem into devising possible solutions to the stress, and related issues. Changing the environment allows the affected persons to visualize possibilities from the difficulties leading to better lifestyles.

The other technique that may be useful is that of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Stressed individuals may be able to address their stress by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is an effective tool in making one cope or resist stressful situations. One many adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating the right diet, reducing items, such as, caffeine and sugar; and avoiding harmful substances, such as, alcohol drugs, and cigarettes. Individuals may also develop a habit of getting enough sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle. All this will minimize the risks to stress, and stress related factors. It will make the said individuals more relaxed, and content leading to a much healthy life, full of joy and happiness. This ultimately leads to the normal functioning of the body and mind minimizing cases of high blood pressure (Cartwright & Cooper, 1997).

The other stress management technique that may work in enabling an individual cope with stress is accepting the things that one cannot change. Through genuine acceptance of a situation or condition that is stressful, then one may manage to cope with the stress. Some stressful conditions are unavoidable, and needs the affected persons to accept. For instance, when one has contracted a chronic disease, the best way to deal with the problem, and possibly protect the person from high blood pressures is through accepting the stressor, share about stressful situations with others, and forgive where necessary. This has been said to work effectively in helping individuals overcome stress. Being in a state of denial, and un-forgiveness often leads to anxiety, and depression, which may lead to hypertension. Therefore, acceptance is a therapy on its own in managing stress.

Conclusion

Conclusively, stress is closely linked to hypertension. The study makes it evident that stress causes other health related conditions, such as, anxiety, and depression that lead to hypertensive traits in an individual, which if persistent leads to hypertension. The study also expounds that stress among individuals also leads to the development of diverse behaviors that lead to hypertension. Stress leads to development of behaviors, such as, alcoholism, overeating, and insomnia, which have been established to lead directly to hypertension. The study has outlined a number of stress management techniques that may be employed by stressed people to be able to cope with the stress, and stress related problems.

 References

Adimabua, A. & Awemu, M. (2013). Causal link between stress and hypertension. New York, NY: GRIN Verlag.

Cartwright, S., & Cooper, C. L. (1997). Managing workplace stress. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.

Conte, F. (2003). Stress and violence in the workplace. Middlebury, Ind.: Bristol Banner Books.

Greenberg, J.S. (2012). Comprehensive Stress Management. 13^th ed. London: McGraw-Hill

Hindle, T. (2009). Reducing Stress. London: Dorling Kindersley.

Losyk, B. (2005). Get a grip! Overcoming stress. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Larkin, T. (2005). Stress and Hypertension. New York, NY: Yale University Press.

Towner, L. (1998). Managing stress. London: Kogan Page.