Lesser Known Conditions That Raise Blood Pressure

SHAFAQNA TURKEY. While salt and stress are the main culprits in high blood pressure, there are other tricky enemies that will cause your blood pressure to rise.

sweet foods

Sugar consumption, although not as much as salt, increases both high and low blood pressure. This effect is likely due to excess insulin.

Loneliness

It’s not just the number of friends it’s about, it’s also that you don’t feel lonely. Stress or depression in being alone doesn’t fully explain this effect. It also worsens over time: In a 4-year study, high blood pressure in the loneliest people increased by more than 14 points compared to others. Researchers believe that a constant fear of being rejected and disappointed, as well as feeling more anxious about your safety, can change the way your body works.

sleep apnea (OSA)

People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience high blood pressure and other heart problems. When you breathe frequently in your sleep, your nervous system releases chemicals that increase blood pressure. Also, as you get less oxygen, blood vessel cells get damaged and their ability to regulate blood pressure is lost.

Insufficient intake of potassium

To maintain the right amount of fluid in your blood, your kidneys need a balanced ratio of sodium and potassium. So, even if you’re on a low-salt diet, you may have higher blood pressure if you don’t consume enough fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy, or fish. If you think bananas are the only source, you are wrong. Broccoli, chestnuts, spinach, and other leafy greens are better for both potassium and weight management.

herbal supplements

Do you consume ginkgo, ginseng, guarana, ephedra, or other herbal products? These and other factors can raise blood pressure or reduce the effectiveness of medications you take to control high blood pressure. Do not use such products without consulting your doctor.

thyroid problems

When this gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, the heart rate slows and the arteries become less distended, making it difficult to control blood pressure. Low hormone levels can also increase LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, which can lead to hardening of the arteries. Blood moves faster through hard veins, pushing against the walls and raising blood pressure. While not common, too much thyroid hormone can make your heart beat harder and faster, which can raise your blood pressure.

Painkillers and flu medicines

These drugs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase blood pressure by reducing the release of vasodilators. In addition, they cause high blood pressure by damaging the kidneys, especially when used for a long time. They also reduce the effect of certain blood pressure medications. Because drugs used to relieve flu symptoms contain active substances that constrict blood vessels, they increase blood pressure.

Thirst

If your body cells don’t have enough water, your blood vessels constrict. This is because your brain is sending a signal to the pituitary gland to release a chemical. The kidneys secrete a substance that causes the blood vessels to contract to lose less fluid in the urine. Some of the blood pressure medications we use also cause water loss. That is why we must drink plenty of water, especially in summer.

birth control pills

Pills, injections, and other birth control use hormones that constrict blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure. This is most likely a problem for women over 35 who are overweight or smoke. A lower dose of hormones can keep your blood pressure close to normal.

Assoc. Dr. Murat Tufan