advertisementHowever, Dr P Venkata Krishnan, senior consultant, internal medicine, Artemis Hospital Gurugram, says, “Your partner's high blood pressure cannot directly give you high BP.
Stress and blood pressure connectionOne of the significant ways your partner’s high blood pressure might affect you is through stress.
“Stress from worrying about a partner's high blood pressure can affect your own blood pressure.
“Studies have shown that caregivers, including those supporting partners with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, stand at risk of developing high BP themselves,” he adds.
Stress from worrying about a partner's high blood pressure can affect your own BP.
We’ve all heard that stress can be contagious. But what about high blood pressure? Can your partner’s hypertension rub off on you? Well, it is kind of debatable, according to experts.
Specialists weigh in
Dr Roohi Pirzada, senior physician and critical care specialist, Mumbai, says it is possible. Research analysis in countries like China, England, India, and the US showed that women who were married to men with high BP were more likely to also have hypertension themselves than those whose partners did not have high BP.
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However, Dr P Venkata Krishnan, senior consultant, internal medicine, Artemis Hospital Gurugram, says, “Your partner's high blood pressure cannot directly give you high BP. But, this is indirectly possible.” Research says that women who were married to men with high BP were more likely to have hypertension. (Photo: Unsplash)
But before we dig deep, here’s a little about:
The science behind blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke. It's influenced by various factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, and stress.
Stress and blood pressure connection
One of the significant ways your partner’s high blood pressure might affect you is through stress. Living with someone who has hypertension can be stressful, especially if their condition leads to lifestyle changes or anxiety about their health. This stress can, in turn, affect your own blood pressure.
“Stress from worrying about a partner's high blood pressure can affect your own blood pressure. Chronic stress can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, as your body is constantly in a state of alert. This is generally referred to as 'caregiver stress,'” says Dr Krishnan.
“Studies have shown that caregivers, including those supporting partners with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, stand at risk of developing high BP themselves,” he adds. Stress from worrying about a partner's high blood pressure can affect your own BP. (Photo: Unsplash)
“While there is no substantial scientific data to link the evidence, research finds incidences higher in partners to develop hypertension,” says Dr Pirzada.
Lifestyle habits: Shared and spread
Couples often share lifestyle habits, and these can play a huge role in blood pressure. If your partner has high blood pressure, you might both adopt habits aimed at managing it, like eating healthy or exercising more.
However, if your partner's high blood pressure is due to poor lifestyle choices, there's a chance you might share these habits, too. This includes eating a high-salt diet, not exercising enough, or consuming too much alcohol. Your partner's poor lifestyle choices can lead to you having higher BP. (Photo: Unsplash)
“When one partner makes unhealthy lifestyle changes, the other one is more likely to do the same, which can result in a negative impact on both partners' health,” says Dr Krishnan.
The emotional toll
There’s also the emotional aspect. Worrying about a loved one’s health can take an emotional toll. This constant concern can lead to chronic stress, which, as we’ve established, can affect blood pressure.
Moreover, if your partner's hypertension leads to arguments or tension in the relationship, this emotional stress can also contribute to higher blood pressure.
India Today spoke to Shahzeen Shivdasani, relationship expert and author, who mentioned, “There can be a lot of emotional strain due to concern for the partner's health, leading to stress and anxiety. Communication challenges may arise, with misunderstandings or conflicts caused by stress.”
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“The emotional burden of supporting a loved one with a chronic condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout. This can further exacerbate the physical effects of stress, creating a cycle of poor health. It's crucial to recognise these psychological effects and seek support for yourself, too, to maintain your own physical and mental well-being,” adds Dr Krishnan.
Managing stress and blood pressure
There are different things that couples can incorporate into their daily lives to help manage stress better and promote healthy blood pressure. Dr Pirzada recommends:
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet with salt intake as per the daily recommended quantity
Enjoying physical activities and working out together
Refraining from smoking and drinking
Discouraging your partner from eating unhealthy food and reducing your own temptation to indulge.
Practising yoga and meditation together.
Reading books or listening to soothing music together.
Blood pressure can be managed by consuming a healthy diet. (Photo: Unsplash)
The takeaway
While high blood pressure is not like a cold that you can “catch” from your partner, the environment and emotional climate you share can influence your health. It’s crucial to support each other in making healthy lifestyle choices and managing stress.
Published By: Tiasa Bhowal Published On: Jul 12, 2024
