(HealthDay News) — Caregiving for children or sick loved ones can be very stressful. so much so it can affect your heart health, new research shows.
High caregiving stress increases risk of high blood pressure by nearly 40 percent among Black women ages 21 to 44, according to results published recently in the journal Hypertension.
“Our analysis suggests that caregiver strain as a source of chronic stress may significantly contribute to the development of hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, among reproductive-age Black women,” said lead researcher Milla Arabadjian, an assistant professor at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Jackson Heath Study, a long-term research project following the health of more than 5,300 Black adults in Mississippi.
Participants had their blood pressure monitored, and were asked about caregiving stress as part of a health questionnaire.
Nearly 44 percent of the young Black women in the study developed high blood pressure during a follow-up period of more than seven years, results showed.
But caregiving stress made a difference: About 52 percent of the women who reported moderate or high caregiving stress developed high blood pressure, compared with about 41 percent of those with low caregiving stress or none, researchers found.
“Given the high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among reproductive-age Black women, we need to better identify the root causes contributing to the strain,” said senior researcher Tanya Spruill, an associate professor of population health and medicine at NYU Langone Health.
“If a lack of affordable childcare is a source, then linkage to childcare resources could be one solution,” Spruill said in an NYU news release. “If the source of strain is a communication challenge with a child or elderly relative, education might be tailored to help with that.”
How is caregiving stressful?
Caregiving, while often a rewarding experience, can also be a significant source of stress. The constant demands of caring for a loved one can lead to physical, emotional, and mental strain.
Physically, caregivers may experience fatigue, sleep disturbances, and neglect of their own health needs as they prioritize the needs of the care recipient. Emotionally, caregivers may encounter feelings of guilt, frustration, anger, and sadness. The constant worry and responsibility can take a toll on their mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression.
Additionally, the financial burden of caregiving can add to the stress. Caregivers may need to reduce work hours or quit their jobs altogether, leading to financial instability. The cost of medical care, medications, and other expenses associated with caregiving can further strain their resources.
It is important to recognize the signs of caregiver stress and seek support when needed. This may include joining a support group, seeking counseling, or utilizing respite care services. By taking care of their own well-being, caregivers can better support their loved ones and reduce the impact of stress on their lives.
How does stress turn into high blood pressure?
Stress can significantly contribute to high blood pressure. When stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, triggering the “fight or flight” response. This causes your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow, leading to a temporary increase in blood pressure. While this response is normal and short-lived in healthy individuals, chronic stress can cause these spikes to become more frequent and intense. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and lead to persistent high blood pressure. Additionally, stress often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of exercise, all of which are major risk factors for high blood pressure.
More information
The American Heart Association has more on high blood pressure.
SOURCE: NYU Langone Health, news release, Dec. 12, 2024