Do you know what blood pressure measures? It measures the force of the blood that presses against the blood vessel walls. The reason such pressure exists is simple: the heart is what pumps the blood through these blood vessels. Of course, the more complex the heart pumps, the more pressure your veins will experience.
That being said, there are some cases that blood pressure is too high, meaning there’s too much pressure against the blood vessel walls. This is known as hypertension, and it is dangerous because the heart is working harder than it should. This can lead to problems like the hardening of arteries, kidney disease, stroke, and more.
So, what is the cause of high blood pressure? Here are a few things:
Smoking:
If you smoke, you’re more likely to develop high blood pressure. That’s because smoking can cause inflammation, which in turn can cause your arteries to harden. Also, there are chemicals in cigarettes that can cause your blood vessels to constrict. Because of this, it’s essential to quit smoking; that’s why doctors will always suggest people stop smoking before they have surgery.
Alcohol:
Many people believe that alcohol is good for you, but the reality is a little different. While alcohol is good for your heart, it is not suitable for your blood pressure. Alcohol can cause many problems, including dehydration, high blood pressure, and even a weakened immune system.
Lack of Sleep:
Sleep is vital because it allows your body to restore itself. Getting enough sleep can help you fight stress, which in turn will lower your blood pressure. In fact, one study found that people who slept less than six hours per night had an 11% higher chance of developing hypertension.
Stress:
Stress is a major cause of high blood pressure, which is why it is essential to manage your stress levels. Stress can be caused by a variety of things, including work, personal relationships, and even social media. Besides the stress you experience, you can also cause your own stress. This can be due to things like your personality and your thought patterns. If you have challenging relationships, for example, those can add to your stress.
Lack of Exercising:
Exercising is important for a lot of different reasons, including your mental health, but it is also important for your heart and even your blood pressure. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that will make you feel good. In addition to that, when your body is pushing itself, it is also stronger and healthier. So, to lower your blood pressure, you should focus on getting more exercise.
Medication:
Some medications can cause your blood pressure to be too high. Those medications can be drugs you take for an infection or even drugs you take for menstrual pain. If you know you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about any prescriptions you take to check if it is the reason for the high blood pressure.
Being Overweight:
Obesity is a major cause of hypertension. That’s because carrying too much weight will make your body work harder, and that can make your heart work harder, causing your blood pressure to increase. Many doctors will prescribe diet and exercise to help prevent high blood pressure, especially in the obese.
Conclusion
There are a bunch of other reasons blood pressure may be higher, such as a poor diet or simply getting older. Regardless, some of these reasons can easily be combated with lifestyle changes, and more often than not, making these changes will benefit your body in many other ways than simply normalizing your blood pressure once more! That said, before you do anything, always consult with your physician about what you can do to lower your blood pressure if it is high. They can recommend a few things you can do and ensure you are doing it safely!
HealthSprings is a direct primary care practice offering convenient and high-quality healthcare driven by advanced technologies in Tyrone, Georgie. If you are looking for a primary care physician to address your blood pressure issues, reach out to us today!