Blood pressure refers to the internal force that your blood exerts on your blood vessels as it travels through your body. When this force measures above the normal range, it indicates high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, or stroke. At Healthy Life Family Medicine, Dr. John Monroe, MD, and his team offer custom treatment plans to manage your blood pressure.
Though there are some unavoidable risk factors for hypertension, such as age or genetics, simple lifestyle changes can help keep you within a normal range. Today, we consider eight factors that may be contributing to your high blood pressure.
One of the many negative health impacts of smoking is a temporary rise in blood pressure. This is true whether you smoke cigarettes, vape, or chew tobacco. It takes willpower, but Dr. Monroe and his team have strategies that can help you quit.
A well-balanced, nutritious diet low in salt contributes to your overall health, and it’s especially important to avoid chronic high blood pressure. Too much sodium won’t cause hypertension on its own, but it can complicate your condition when blood pressure is high.
Overindulging in alcohol on a regular basis causes your blood pressure to rise. Try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than one or two drinks per day to avoid negative health effects.
Physical activity keeps your heart healthy and helps maintain normal blood pressure. Adding 30 minutes of moderate activity daily provides a sound basis for health. Get your heart rate up and your blood flowing with routine aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, or swimming.
Obesity or excess weight causes your heart and circulatory system to work harder, leading to elevated blood pressure. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% of your total body weight reduces your risk of hypertension and other complications.
Chronic stress puts you at risk for numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure. Though stress is sometimes unavoidable, there are things you can do to manage the impact it has on your body, such as:
Certain medical problems, including diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, affect the way your body controls fluid and sodium in your blood. Dr. Monroe provides advice on how to deal with pre-existing conditions that cause high blood pressure.
Some medications can make it more difficult for your body to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Over-the-counter medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or decongestants can cause a rise in blood pressure. Hormonal birth control pills can also increase your risk.
If you’re concerned about the risks of hypertension, schedule a blood pressure screening at Healthy Life Family Medicine. Contact us to book an appointment at our Goodyear, Arizona office today.
