How much does being nervous affect your blood pressure?

Question

How much does being nervous affect your blood pressure?

Answer 1

I find swings a great deal more from patients who have "white coat" phobia.   You go to the clinic the doctor sees you after you have sat in a lobby and then a waiting room.  Many people are stress over the blood pressure test and it does elevate the reading for some people.  I have known some interested primary care physicians will suggest that the patient drop back by and get a second reading in a day or two.  I do not think one reading is enough to jump to a hypertension diagnosis.  Again, it varies from person to person as to how much nervousness affects the reading.   I think it is large factor for me.  My doctor tells that she feels it is an anticipated anxiety reading.    

Answer 2

Stress will elevate blood pressure, but the levels will very in each individual depending on the coping skills.

Answer 3

Stress increase your heart rate and constricts your blood vessels witch contributes to increased blood pressure on a long term basis. YES!

Answer 4

I don't think there's an actual number but it can bump it up quite a bit.