is high blood pressure caused by stress?
Can even minor stresses raise blood pressure? Yes. Just think of all the minor stresses that can be found in a day, from being stuck in traffic to conflicts at work. One example we have all experienced, and one that reminds us how even minor stresses can raise blood pressure, is a visit to a physician’s office. In the medical world this is called white coat hypertension. Blood pressure measurements taken in that situation are usually higher than the true average blood pressure, unless the patient has had a chance to rest and relax. This is why at least three measurements are taken in research projects on blood pressure. The patient rests in a quiet environment for a minimum of two minutes after each measurement. Not surprisingly, the last measurement is usually much lower than the first.