Stress and Your Blood Pressure: Why It’s Crucial to Monitor Your Health in Uncertain Times

Life’s unpredictable moments — from a global event to a personal challenge — can leave us feeling overwhelmed. During these periods of stress and uncertainty, it’s not just our mental health that’s affected. Our heart health can feel the impact, too. One important habit that can help you stay in control during uncertain times? Routine blood pressure monitoring at home.

Understanding Stress and Its Link to Blood Pressure

Stress is part of life, but chronic or high levels of stress can take a toll on your body — including your heart and blood vessels¹.

• According to the American Psychological Association, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. say they’re so stressed most days that they can’t function².

• The American Heart Association notes that while the connection between long-term stress and high blood pressure is still being studied, stress can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure — and repeated spikes may increase your long-term health risk³.

• Situational stress — like job changes, family emergencies, financial strain, or health scares — can also cause your blood pressure to rise in the moment⁴. If situational stress becomes chronic, it could negatively impact your lifestyle choices – like your sleeping and eating habits – leading to higher blood pressure⁵.

Why Routine Blood Pressure Monitoring Matters

When you're under stress, your blood pressure may be doing things you're not even aware of. That’s why monitoring it regularly — especially during challenging times — is so important.

Having a blood pressure monitor at home lets you:

• See the impact of stress in real time

• Track trends over time

• Share meaningful data with your healthcare provider

• Make informed decisions about lifestyle changes or medical care

Even if you feel fine, high blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms — that’s why it’s called the “silent killer⁶.” Routine checks give you a clearer picture of your health.

Small Steps to Manage Stress — and Your Health

Taking steps to manage your stress can support your overall well-being, including your blood pressure. Try incorporating these simple habits into your routine:

• Get moving – Regular physical activity can help reduce stress hormones⁷.

• Practice mindfulness – Breathing exercises, meditation, and journaling can help center your thoughts⁸.

• Stay connected – Talk to friends, family, or a counselor when things feel overwhelming⁹.

• Prioritize rest – Sleep plays a big role in how your body responds to stress¹⁰.

• Monitor your health – Check your blood pressure routinely to stay in the know.

Choose a Monitor You Can Trust

OMRON is the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended brand of home blood pressure monitors¹¹, and we make it easy to help you stay on top of your numbers.

• The OMRON 3 Series®: The best-selling blood pressure monitor in the U.S.¹² — a simple, reliable option with a one-touch design for everyday monitoring. Get yours here.

• The OMRON 5 Series®: Offers an extra large, easy-to-read display with simple descriptions and symbols to help you monitor with confidence. Get one here.

Final Thoughts

Stress and uncertainty may be a part of life, but you can take steps to protect your heart health. Keeping a blood pressure monitor at home empowers you to stay informed, spot trends, and take action when it matters most. Start monitoring today — and take one more step toward peace of mind.

When life gets intense, know your numbers.