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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #18951
67 days ago
105

cause of blood pressure - #18951

Divya

I am really freaking out because I've been having some strange symptoms lately and my doctor mentioned the cause of blood pressure might be more complicated than I thought. Like, I've always had normal BP, but suddenly it's been jumping up and down. The other day I felt dizzy, and my heart was racing for no reason. I didn't think too much of it until they did some tests and my readings showed prehypertension! Ugh! I’m just so confused because I can’t figure out the cause of blood pressure issues out of nowhere. Could it be stress? I mean, work has been insane lately, and I was also drinking more coffee than usual. They told me the cause of blood pressure could be linked to lifestyle choices, but I thought I was healthy enough! I keep going back and forth on whether it's a big deal or if I’m just overreacting. What do you all think could be the real cause of blood pressure changes? Does anyone have similar experiences that could shed light on this? I’m trying to keep calm, but it’s hard you know? Any insights on the underlying causes or how to manage it would be sooo helpful right now. Thanks in advance!

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Doctors' responses

Fluctuations in blood pressure, especially if you’ve suddenly moved into the prehypertensive range, can indeed be unsettling. There are various potential reasons for sudden changes in blood pressure, but you’re right to consider lifestyle factors as a primary cause. Stress, for instance, can play a significant role in causing temporary spikes in blood pressure. When you’re under stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which elevate your heart rate and narrow blood vessels, temporarily increasing blood pressure. The added workload and increased caffeine intake can exacerbate this effect, as caffeine is known to cause short-term boosts in blood pressure. Beyond stress and caffeine, there are numerous other factors to consider. Dietary choices such as high salt intake, lack of physical activity, being overweight, or even some medications can contribute to blood pressure variations. It’s essential to pay attention to these aspects and consider adjusting where necessary, such as reducing caffeine, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and observing a balanced diet low in sodium and rich in fruits and vegetables. On a more serious note, make sure to follow up with your doctor, especially if symptoms like dizziness and heart palpitations continue. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, perhaps suggesting a 24-hour blood pressure monitor to ascertain if these fluctuations are consistent and warrant more intervention. Ultimately, while lifestyle adjustments may help, a thorough medical assessment will rule out any secondary causes like endocrine disorders or kidney issues. Keep monitoring your blood pressure and maintain regular check-ups. This proactive approach combining medical guidance with lifestyle tweaks often helps regain control.

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