reason of high blood pressure - #18735
I am really worried about my health right now. A few months ago, I went to the doctor for a routine check-up and they found that I had high blood pressure. I mean, I thought I was doing everything right, eating healthy and exercising, but apparently not! The doc said that stress might be a reason of high blood pressure, but I'm not sure. Like, I do have a pretty busy job and sometimes it gets overwhelming, but isn’t that normal? I wonder if there could be other reasons of high blood pressure that I’m missing. I also read online that certain foods can play a role too? Like, am I eating something that’s pushing my numbers up? I’ve cut back on salt but maybe it’s not enough? I really don’t want to add medication to my routine as I’m trying to manage this naturally, u know? My parents had issues with high blood pressure as well, so could genetics be a reason of high blood pressure for me? I'm just trying to figure out ways to bring it down without the meds, but all this info is kinda overwhelming. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences on reason of high blood pressure? Anything helps!
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Doctors' responses
High blood pressure can indeed have numerous causes beyond diet and exercise, and stress is definitely a major player even though it’s part of daily life for many. While it’s tough to precisely pin down the root cause for every individual, there are several factors that can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Genetics can indeed be a significant factor since a family history of hypertension can increase your risk, so it’s possible that your familial history might play a role despite your healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, diet does play a crucial role beyond just the salt intake. Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars can also contribute negatively even if your salt consumption is moderate. Alcohol, caffeine, and processed, fast foods should be consumed in moderation if you’re concerned about pressure elevation. Weight is another aspect; even a minor excess in body weight can exacerbate hypertension. Another often overlooked factor is sleep quality, as poor sleep can lead to hormonal changes that affect blood pressure. Ensuring restful nights can be a beneficial adjustment. Regular exercise is fantastic, but ensure it includes both cardiovascular and strength-training as both can have beneficial effects on blood pressure. Monitoring stress effectively through mindfulness, relaxation, or hobbies might help manage inevitable daily tensions. As you prefer lifestyle changes, maintaining a consistent, healthy routine is key. But do keep track of your blood pressure regularly to notice any patterns or triggers. If lifestyle adjustments don’t seem to provide desired results, it might be worth discussing non-medicinal interventions with your healthcare provider or exploring low-impact treatments. Given the complexities around hypertension and your genetic predisposition, working closely with your doctor to tailor any interventions to your lifestyle and needs is essential. If at any point your readings consistently elevate or you experience symptoms like chest pain or severe headaches, seek immediate medical advice. Remember, safety should always be the predominant concern.
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