Blood pressure: What "unknown" daily habits can affect it

Blood pressure is a term that describes the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them.

Blood pressure depends on blood flow, that is, how much blood the heart pumps with each contraction, as well as the resistance that the vessels offer to this flow. If blood pressure is high, then the heart has to work harder to maintain adequate blood flow in our body.

There are several factors that can affect blood pressure, including smoking, age over 60, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, excess body weight, and high cholesterol.

But there are other factors that many may not be aware of, even though they are often simple daily habits.

Daily coffee or alcohol

Both daily coffee and alcohol consumption can contribute to an increase in blood pressure.

It is generally recommended to limit caffeine to less than 300 milligrams (mg), which is about two to three cups of coffee per day. This can help prevent blood pressure from rising too high.

Accordingly, alcohol should be limited to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

"Innocent" drugs

Some medications such as anti-inflammatories, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, can increase blood pressure. In addition, many medications with decongestant active ingredients are also known to increase blood pressure.

Therefore, people who take over-the-counter medications to treat minor aches or pains may experience high blood pressure.

When it comes to prescription medications, there are some that can also increase blood pressure, but it is important that the patient does not stop taking them without the advice of their doctor.

Food supplements

There are supplements and certain food combinations that can also lead to increased blood pressure.

Supplements labeled "natural" or "organic" can usually affect blood pressure. Similarly, consumption of "strong" cheeses and various meats by people taking certain antidepressants can lead to hypertensive episodes.

Does hypertension have symptoms?

Hypertension rarely shows symptoms and is usually identified through screening or when the person seeks care for another health problem.

Some people with high blood pressure report headaches (especially at the back of the head and in the morning), as well as dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), vision problems, or fainting episodes. High blood pressure also increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

It is important to note that having high blood pressure does not mean that someone is nervous, tense, or overly active. Someone can be calm, comfortable, and relaxed but still have high blood pressure.

 

Blood pressure: What "unknown" daily habits can affect it