Causes & Tips to Lower Blood Pressure
Do you get headache that lasts for several days?
Do you feel dizziness and shortness of breath quite often?
These are some of the symptoms of omnipresent problem of high blood pressure.
Look around and you will find around 1 in every 3 adults are suffering from high blood pressure. In fact, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, it is estimated that in the USA, around 72 million people are suffering from high BP.
The heart pumps blood into arteries or the blood vessels that further supply blood throughout the body. When a person suffers from high blood pressure or hypertension, he/she becomes more prone to heart disease, as the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body and results in the hardening of arteries or the blood vessels.
There are various causes of hypertension. Generally people associate age with high blood pressure. But there several other factors that contribute to developing high BP. Here are some of the other causes that lead to hypertension:
Genes
If your parents have high BP, it is easy to say that you are also prone to the risk. While genetics do play a significant role, it is not about your genes alone. Many people who do have a family history of high blood pressure don't develop it themselves. The reason, needless to say, is a positive, healthy lifestyle.
Weight
Obese people are 5 times more prone to the risk of developing high blood pressure as compared to normal weight individuals. The simple mantra to lower blood pressure is to lose body fat by eating protein-rich food and dumping junk stuff such as potato chips, pizza, colas and the likes.
Unhealthy diet
A poor diet high in processed foods and fattening junk stuff can raise blood pressure significantly.
Salt: The silent killer
While our bodies do need salt to survive, exorbitant consumption of salt can have adverse effects on your health. Pizza, pasta, potato chips, sandwiches contain high amount of salt that raises blood pressure.
Stress
A stressful life is greatly responsible for lowering the levels of serotonin and increasing the levels of blood pressure.
Physical inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle greatly contributes to high blood pressure. Lack of exercise result in an expanding waistline and excess weight. This ultimately leads to the fatal disease of high blood pressure. Hit the gym or do aerobics on a regular basis. If you are not fond of strenuous workouts, even going for regular walks can be extremely beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
Smoking & drinking
Smoking reduces the oxygen content in blood and causes blood vessels to narrow which leads to high blood pressure. Hence heavy smokers and even drinkers are more prone to hypertension.
Other factors
Besides people with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and thyroid disorders are at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
However the silver lining is that high blood pressure is both reversible and preventable. You can bring blood pressure down by following these tips:
Follow these simple tips and you will soon notice the difference in your blood pressure levels.
Do you feel dizziness and shortness of breath quite often?
These are some of the symptoms of omnipresent problem of high blood pressure.
Look around and you will find around 1 in every 3 adults are suffering from high blood pressure. In fact, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, it is estimated that in the USA, around 72 million people are suffering from high BP.
The heart pumps blood into arteries or the blood vessels that further supply blood throughout the body. When a person suffers from high blood pressure or hypertension, he/she becomes more prone to heart disease, as the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body and results in the hardening of arteries or the blood vessels.
There are various causes of hypertension. Generally people associate age with high blood pressure. But there several other factors that contribute to developing high BP. Here are some of the other causes that lead to hypertension:
Genes
If your parents have high BP, it is easy to say that you are also prone to the risk. While genetics do play a significant role, it is not about your genes alone. Many people who do have a family history of high blood pressure don't develop it themselves. The reason, needless to say, is a positive, healthy lifestyle.
Weight
Obese people are 5 times more prone to the risk of developing high blood pressure as compared to normal weight individuals. The simple mantra to lower blood pressure is to lose body fat by eating protein-rich food and dumping junk stuff such as potato chips, pizza, colas and the likes.
Unhealthy diet
A poor diet high in processed foods and fattening junk stuff can raise blood pressure significantly.
Salt: The silent killer
While our bodies do need salt to survive, exorbitant consumption of salt can have adverse effects on your health. Pizza, pasta, potato chips, sandwiches contain high amount of salt that raises blood pressure.
Stress
A stressful life is greatly responsible for lowering the levels of serotonin and increasing the levels of blood pressure.
Physical inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle greatly contributes to high blood pressure. Lack of exercise result in an expanding waistline and excess weight. This ultimately leads to the fatal disease of high blood pressure. Hit the gym or do aerobics on a regular basis. If you are not fond of strenuous workouts, even going for regular walks can be extremely beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
Smoking & drinking
Smoking reduces the oxygen content in blood and causes blood vessels to narrow which leads to high blood pressure. Hence heavy smokers and even drinkers are more prone to hypertension.
Other factors
Besides people with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and thyroid disorders are at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
However the silver lining is that high blood pressure is both reversible and preventable. You can bring blood pressure down by following these tips:
- Eat healthy, nutritious diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and heart healthy foods such as bananas, yogurt, and soy.
- Exercise regularly. Even going for a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can impact your blood pressure.
- Say no to processed foods high in salt.
- Cut down on your consumption of alcohol. As long as you drink moderately, it won't be a problem.
- Combat stress by doing yoga, meditation or going for morning walk.
Follow these simple tips and you will soon notice the difference in your blood pressure levels.
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