What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it moves through the body. It is measured in two numbers, the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
How Does Nervousness Affect Blood Pressure?
When a person is feeling nervous or anxious, their body releases hormones that cause the blood vessels to constrict, raising the blood pressure. This is known as the fight-or-flight response, and it is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. However, if the nervousness is prolonged, the blood pressure can remain elevated, which can lead to serious health problems.
What is a Normal Blood Pressure Range?
A normal blood pressure range is typically considered to be between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. If the systolic pressure (the top number) is higher than 120 mmHg or the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is higher than 80 mmHg, this is considered to be high blood pressure.
How High Can Your Blood Pressure Go When You Are Nervous?
When a person is feeling nervous, their blood pressure can go as high as 180/120 mmHg or higher. This is considered to be dangerously high and can be a sign of hypertension. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90 mmHg, you should speak to your doctor.