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causes of high blood pressure
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14751
45 days ago
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causes of high blood pressure - #14751

Parth

I am kinda worried about my health right now because I've been feeling really off lately. After some random tests, my doctor told me I have high blood pressure. I mean, I thought I was doing alright, but it turns out, I’ve been feeling so drained and having these weird headaches. Like, are there actual specific causes of high blood pressure that I should be concerned about? I’ve read that stress can be a huge factor, and with all the chaos at work lately, I definitely feel it taking a toll. Also, I haven’t been as active as I used to be. Are there like lifestyle choices that might be messing me up or are there actually medical conditions that could be causing this, like genetics or something? My diet's not perfect either, and I think I might snack too much on salty stuff. Sometimes I wonder if this is all related to my sleep issues; I don’t get as much rest as I should. Ugh, this is so annoying! Are there other causes of high blood pressure that I should totally look into, or is it mostly about what I eat and how I live? I really want to understand this better before I head back to the doc.

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Doctors’ responses

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can indeed be influenced by a variety of factors, and it sounds like you’ve already keyed in on several potential contributors. Lifestyle factors play a significant role; stress can temporarily spike blood pressure, but chronic stress might lead you to adopt habits that increase long-term hypertension risk, such as poor diet, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Physical inactivity also matters; a lack of exercise often contributes to weight gain, another risk factor for high blood pressure. You mentioned salty snacks—excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, increasing the workload on your heart and blood vessels. Addressing this might involve reading food labels more closely and selecting options with lower sodium content.

Genetic predisposition is definitely a legitimate consideration; if your family has a history of hypertension, you may be inherently more sensitive to these factors. Certain medical conditions can also cause high blood pressure. These include, but are not limited to, kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, or sleep apnea. Sleep issues you’ve mentioned, like not getting enough rest, are worth investigating too. Sleep apnea specifically is a known hypertension driver, because of the lack of oxygen your body is exposed to during apneic events.

Blood pressure can also be impacted by medications such as birth control pills or over-the-counter cold medications that include decongestants. Consider your medication list with your doctor. Dietary choices, particularly calcium, potassium, and magnesium, also play a navigational role in managing blood pressure. An imbalance might exacerbate the problem.

Before your visit, try keeping a journal of your symptoms, diet, and exercise patterns. This will provide your doctor with valuable context and can guide specific interventions. Effective management might include lifestyle modifications focusing on a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and reduced sodium intake. Always discuss with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your regimen.

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