Does stress effect your b/p and heart rate?

[potstigger]

I've been extremely stressed out lately due to pressures at work. As of my last echo in November (8 months after diagnosis), my EF is 50-55%. Normally my blood pressure is around 104/70 and my resting heart rate is around 80-85 bpm. But with the increase in stress (I'm not sleeping well and at night I'm grinding my teeth), I've found that my blood pressure has increased to about 125/84 and my resting heart rate has jumped to 95 bpm.

I spoke to my cardiologist's nurse yesterday and gave her the latest numbers and she said that I was still in an acceptable range. She said I should be concerned when the top number gets over 140.

Has anyone else seen their blood pressure and heart rate rise due to stress? Can stress, increased blood pressure and heart rate cause my EF to decrease?

Thanks in advance to everyone who responds. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Happy Valentine's Day! Or should I say Happy Heart Day?:)

[JAMESFETT]

Yes, your cardiologist and office nurse have it right. But those are physiological responses, all within the range of normal. We all need methods to cotrol/manage stress/tension. Physical exercise is an important part of the equation. Relaxation techniques are important. I personally couldn't manage without meditation, travelling each day between the spiritual world and the physical world (Morton Kelsey, THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE). Best wishes.

JD