Worried about your rising blood pressure even after taking prevention? Take a look at these 4 hidden habits that may be the reason behind this problem.
Quick Summary
- Blood pressure can be affected by a variety of hidden factors, and knowing about them is critical if you want to take control of your health.
- Some common ways that can raise blood pressure are diet and lifestyle choices, including excessive drinking, consuming caffeine or physical inactivity.
- Over one in three adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you’re like most people, you assume that high blood pressure is a result of your genes and your lifestyle choices. But it’s not just what you eat and drink that affects your blood pressure, as many other habits also play a role.
According to the American Heart Association, there are several hidden habits that can affect your blood pressure. On their list are smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, eating unhealthy foods, and being inactive.
In this article, you can learn about a few hidden ways that affect your blood pressure and why you should avoid them for a healthy life.
Contents
Which Habits Might Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Although there are a number of hidden habits that can affect your blood pressure, these are the most common ones:
1. Daily intake of caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant found in many different types of drinks, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soda. If you have hypertension (high blood pressure), it is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams (mg) per day.
If you are a coffee lover, try switching to half-caff or decaf for a lower dose of caffeine. You can also try caffeine-free teas. When consumed in moderation, coffee can help avoid high blood pressure from reaching critical levels.
2. OCT medications
When you take over-the-counter medications to relieve minor aches and pains, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for your blood pressure to spike.
Some common OTC medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil), can spike blood pressure. Although, some drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), are less likely to cause increases in blood pressure.
Moreover, prescription medications such as those used to treat mental health, oral birth control medications, immunosuppressants, cancer medications, and steroids can also raise your blood pressure.
If you are using one of these medications and your blood pressure spikes, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should continue taking the medication. Also, be sure to keep track of your blood pressure readings and share them with your doctor so that any changes can be monitored closely.
3. Salted snacks
When it comes to snacks, many people reach for processed foods that are high in salt. These snacks can add extra pressure to your blood vessels and raise your blood pressure.
In order to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level, you should avoid salty snacks altogether or those that have been salted heavily. Choosing snacks that are low in salt can help regulate your blood sugar levels and keep your heart healthy.
Some healthier options include plain popcorn, homemade chips, and tethered goodies like fruit cups or yoghurts with no added sugars. If you find yourself craving something crunchy, try popping some plain popcorn instead of reaching for a salty packaged snack.
4. Consumption of alcohol
Although wine is often touted as a heart-healthy beverage, alcohol can soar blood pressure in the short and long term.
While alcohol initially relaxes the blood vessels, those vessels start to constrict once the liver metabolises it. Blood pressure can remain at higher-than-normal levels the day after imbibing. And if drinking too much becomes a pattern, so will higher blood pressure numbers.
If you are a heavy drinker and want to cut back, reduce your intake to three drinks per day (for women) or four drinks per day (for men). It can lower the top number in your blood pressure reading by about 5.5 mm Hg and the bottom number by about 4 mm Hg.
Alcohol consumption also comes with other health risks, like liver disease and cancer, so be conscious about how much alcohol you’re drinking. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how it could be affecting your health.
How Does Hypertension Affect Overall Health?
When you have high blood pressure, the arteries in your body can become enlarged and blocked. Although the damage done by high blood pressure (HBP) can occur over time, most cases of HBP are ultimately detected and managed.
High blood pressure can lead to many severe, life-threatening complications if left undetected or uncontrolled. These include heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease or failure, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, and angina.
Therefore, treating high blood pressure is important not only for the individual experiencing the condition but also for their loved ones. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and there are many ways to manage and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
When To Consult A Doctor?
When it comes to hypertension, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can take action if necessary. If your blood pressure is consistently high, or you experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, go to the nearest emergency room.
In cases like this, it’s essential to get medical help as soon as possible because the risk of stroke and heart attack is high. Even if you have normal blood pressure but are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor anyway to rule out other issues.
Conclusion
By knowing about some of these hidden ways that can raise your blood pressure, you can start making necessary lifestyle changes. Hopefully, avoiding these ways can lower your blood pressure rates.
Thus, it’s essential to be educated on what affects your blood pressure so that you can take control of your health and improve your overall quality of life.
Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to help lower your risk of developing high blood pressure. If you’re already affected by it, make sure to see your doctor regularly to get the treatment you need to keep you safe and healthy.