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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #21003
45 days ago
113

causes for high blood pressure - #21003

Vedant

I am really struggling to understand the causes for high blood pressure lately. Just a few months ago, I went in for my routine check-up, and my doctor told me my blood pressure was elevated. I honestly thought it was just nerves because I was worried about a family member’s health at the time. But then I started reading about causes for high blood pressure, and man, it’s overwhelming! I’m trying to pinpoint what might be causing it for me. I don’t think I’m eating super unhealthy, but I do love my coffee and sometimes I skip meals too. Plus, my sleep has been kinda off because of stress at work, and I do notice that I get very anxious at times which might lead into these high readings when I check at home. I read that causes for high blood pressure can be lifestyle-related, but I also saw something about genetics. My dad has high blood pressure, and it worries me thinking this might just be hereditary, ya know? I really want to get to the bottom of this – if anyone has experienced similar stuff, what are some of your causes for high blood pressure, and do you think it’s reversible?

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Doctors' responses

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can indeed be influenced by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and other health conditions. Given your situation, it’s certainly plausible that stress and anxiety, especially with disrupted sleep, could contribute to elevated blood pressure. Stress triggers the release of hormones that temporarily increase blood pressure by making your heart beat faster and your blood vessels narrow. Regularly having too little sleep and high stress levels can lead to sustained hypertension if not addressed. Your coffee habit might be contributing too; caffeine can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure, though its long-term effects vary from person to person. Skipping meals can sometimes trigger stress responses in your body, indirectly affecting blood pressure. Your diet plays a crucial role; high sodium intake, often from processed foods, can elevate blood pressure, as can inadequate intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Also, if you’re a smoker or drink alcohol excessively, these can raise your risk. On the genetic side, a family history of hypertension does increase your risk, but lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting caffeine and alcohol, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and finding ways to reduce stress are great starting points. Monitoring your blood pressure at home and keeping track of your readings can help determine patterns or triggers. While some causes of hypertension can’t be reversed, such as genetics, many individuals see improvement through lifestyle modifications. It’s important to discuss your specific risk factors and management plan with your healthcare provider, who can offer tailored recommendations and decide if medication is needed. If you experience headache, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds frequently, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as these could be signs of dangerously high blood pressure.

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