We’ve all heard that stress can be contagious. But what about high blood pressure? Can your partner’s high blood pressure affect you too? Well, according to experts, this one is kind of a debatable topic.

Experts express their opinion

Dr. Ruhi Pirzada, a senior physician and critical care specialist from Mumbai, says that this is possible. Research analysis done in countries like China, England, India and America has shown that women who were married to men with high BP were more likely to have high blood pressure themselves than women whose partners did not suffer from high BP.

However, says Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, “Your partner’s high blood pressure cannot directly cause high BP in you. But, it is possible indirectly.”

But before we dive in, here’s some information:

The science behind blood pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition in which the pressure of blood on the artery walls is too high. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. It is affected by various factors such as Diet, lifestyle, GeneticsAnd Tension,

The relationship between stress and blood pressure

An important way in which your partner’s high blood pressure can affect you is by: TensionLiving with someone with high blood pressure can be stressful, especially if their condition causes lifestyle changes or anxiety about their health. This stress, in turn, can affect your own blood pressure.

“The stress from worrying about a partner’s high blood pressure can affect your own blood pressure. Constant stress can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, as your body is in a constant state of alert. This is commonly referred to as ‘caregiver stress,'” says Dr Krishnan.

He added, “Studies have shown that caregivers, including those who support partners with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, are at risk of developing hypertension themselves.”

“Although there is no concrete scientific data available to evidence this, research suggests that couples are more likely to develop high blood pressure,” says Dr Pirzada.

Lifestyle habits: shared and spread

Couples often Share lifestyle habitsAnd these can play a huge role in blood pressure. If your partner has high blood pressure, you can both adopt some habits aimed at controlling it, such as eating healthier or getting more exercise.

However, if your partner’s high blood pressure is due to a poor lifestyle, it’s likely you have similar habits. This includes eating a high-salt diet, not getting enough exercise, or drinking too much alcohol.

“When one partner makes unhealthy lifestyle changes, the other partner is more likely to do the same, which can result in negative health impacts for both partners,” says Dr. Krishnan.

Emotional burden

There’s also an emotional aspect. Worrying about a loved one’s health can be emotionally damaging. This constant worry can cause chronic stress, which, as we’ve found, can affect blood pressure.

Additionally, if your partner’s high blood pressure causes arguments or tension in the relationship, this emotional stress can also contribute to high blood pressure.

india today We spoke to relationship expert and author Shahzeen Shivdasani, who said, “Worrying about a partner’s health can cause a lot of emotional stress, leading to tension and anxiety. Stress can lead to communication challenges, along with misunderstanding or conflict.”

“The emotional burden of having a loved one suffering from a long-term illness, Depression, WorryAnd burn out“This can further exacerbate the physical effects of stress, leading to a cycle of poor health. It is also important to recognise these psychological effects and seek support for yourself to maintain your physical and mental health,” says Dr Krishnan.

Managing stress and blood pressure

There are many different things couples can incorporate into their daily lives to help better manage stress and promote healthy blood pressure. Dr. Pirzada suggests:

• maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, consuming salt according to the daily recommended amount
• enjoying physical activities and doing things together
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Discourage your partner from eating unhealthy foods and reduce the urge to do so yourself.
• Practicing yoga and meditation together.
• Read books together or listen to soothing music.

conclusion

While high blood pressure is not like a cold that you can “catch” from your partner, the environment and emotional climate you share can affect your health. It’s important to support each other in making healthy lifestyle choices and managing stress.