High blood pressure, stress and stroke
May 26, 2026
In the Central Valley, high blood pressure is more common than many people realize and is one of the biggest drivers of stroke. Stress is part of our daily lives, but when we consistently feel stressed, it can quietly take a toll on your body—especially your heart and blood vessels.
How stress affects your body
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that temporarily raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to long-term high blood pressure, known as hypertension.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, making them more likely to narrow, rupture or form clots which can lead to a stroke.
“Stress doesn’t always feel like a medical issue, but it can have real effects on your health,” says Nichole Row, RN, Stroke Coordinator, Saint Agnes Medical Center. “When stress is ongoing, it can play a role in raising your blood pressure, which is the number one risk factor for stroke.”
Managing stress in every day life
You don’t have to eliminate stress completely but finding ways to manage it can support your overall health. To help balance your stress levels, consider:
- Getting active by engaging in regular physical activity
- Prioritizing sleep
- Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness
- Staying connected with family and friends
Even small moments of stress relief throughout the day can help your body rest and recover.
Monitoring your blood pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms which is why it’s sometimes called a “silent” condition. Without regular monitoring, it can go unnoticed as it increases your risk of stroke.
“Managing stress is important, but it’s just one part of the picture,” says Dr. Maria Abeysekera, Board-Certified Primary Care Physician, Saint Agnes Care. “It’s also important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and understand what your numbers mean. I always recommend working with your doctor to make sure you’re properly managing your health.”
Work with your primary care provider
Partnering with a primary care provider can help you stay on top of your health. Regular visits allow for early detection and ongoing personalized care to manage conditions like hypertension. Managing stress and monitoring your blood pressure don't have to be complicated but they do need to be consistent.
Knowing your numbers is one of the easiest ways to take control of your health and reduce your risk of stroke.
Connect with a primary care provider
Regular visits can help you manage blood pressure and stay ahead of stroke risk. Don’t have a primary? Establish with a Saint Agnes Care provider today.
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Take control of your blood pressure
Managing stress and monitoring your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of stroke. As an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Saint Agnes is ready to care for you when you need it most.
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