bp causes - #13954
I am really worried about my blood pressure. It’s been fluctuating a lot lately, and my doctor mentioned some possible bp causes, but I'm not clear on what they really are. Like last week, I felt dizzy and my heart was racing, so they did some tests. They said that stress could be a factor, but honestly, stress is always part of my life, you know? I work long hours, have family stuff going on, and that can’t be the only reason. They also mentioned that diet can be one of the bp causes but I think I eat relatively okay? I mean, I try to watch my salt intake but maybe not enough? Anyone else have similar issues? I have also heard that genetics might play a role, as my dad had hypertension. I never thought about that before, but if my family has it, does that mean I’m likely doomed? I want to figure out what other bp causes there might be. I read somewhere that lack of sleep can impact bp too, and omg I haven't been sleeping well at all lately, especially with all the work stress. I'm just lost on what I should be focusing on to help get my bp back to normal. Any thoughts or advice would really help!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Fluctuating blood pressure can be concerning, and several factors might contribute to this. It’s good you’re aware of stress as a major factor; chronic stress certainly influences blood pressure through various mechanisms, including increased heart rate and hormonal changes. Besides stress, diet plays a crucial role. While monitoring salt intake is wise, also consider the balance of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in your diet as they are important in regulating blood pressure. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are beneficial. Genetics can certainly predispose individuals to hypertension, meaning you might carry a higher risk if your family has a history of high blood pressure. However, lifestyle modifications can significantly mitigate this risk. Regarding sleep, insufficient rest can indeed raise blood pressure by disrupting hormonal balance and increasing stress hormones like cortisol. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Besides these, factors like physical inactivity, obesity, and excessive alcohol intake might also contribute. Regular physical activity can promote heart health and lower bp. If you’re concerned about your symptoms like dizziness and racing heart, keep a log of your bp readings along with your diet, exercise, and symptoms to help your doctor in making informed decisions. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and possibly adjusting your current management plan. You’re not doomed by genetics alone; active management of these contributors can significantly improve your outcomes.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.