J Mal Vasc. 2003 Feb; 28(1): 4-8.

[Hypertension and stress]

Faye K, Heng LH, Collomp R, Peroux E.

Service du laboratoire de fabrication, Pharmacie centrale, CHU Nice, 06006 Nice Cedex 1. ckoumbis@caramail.com

Stress and adjustment to stress involve pathophysiological processes operating in the cardiovascular system, particularly concerning high blood pressure. Stress and high blood pressure are closely linked. Stress induces transient psychosomatic-related increases in blood pressure, but can also induce more permanent rise in blood pressure when associated with other environmental, psychological, or genetic risk factors. Symptomatic treatment of high blood pressure requires medicinal antihypertensive therapy; anti-stress therapy is an effective but not sufficient complement.