High blood pressure does not always manifest with headaches and dizziness; sometimes you feel completely healthy, but the blood pressure number tells a different story. From common medications and seemingly harmless foods to inactivity and overweight, various factors can raise blood pressure. Know these 7 factors; one of them may be hidden in your daily life.
Harmless Foods and Medications, but Dangerous
Do you think that because you have set aside the salt shaker, your salt intake has decreased? Not necessarily! A significant amount of sodium can enter the body from ready-made and processed foods; from fast food and canned foods to sausages and cold cuts, salty snacks, and some sauces. Sometimes what raises blood pressure is the food that doesn’t seem salty at all.
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Not all over-the-counter medications are ineffective for blood pressure. Some anti-inflammatory drugs and certain medications used for nasal congestion can raise blood pressure in some individuals. If your blood pressure has changed, don’t just check heart and blood pressure medications; also inform your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Weight Control and Physical Activity
Being overweight is not just a matter of appearance or clothing size. Weight gain can be associated with increased blood pressure. If you are overweight, even gradual weight loss can be part of a blood pressure control program. Strange diets are not necessary; sustainable changes in diet and physical activity are more important.
If you spend most of the day sitting, behind a desk, or in front of a screen, your heart and blood vessels are not immune to this lifestyle. Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and other aerobic activities can be a good start. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to combat high blood pressure; consistency is key.
Ultra-processed foods not only contain a lot of calories; many of them can also have high sodium content. In contrast, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy protein sources can be part of a suitable dietary pattern for controlling blood pressure. Sometimes changing the contents of your plate is more important than changing the salt shaker.
You may have high blood pressure and show no headaches, dizziness, or specific symptoms. For this reason, don’t wait for your body to signal. Blood pressure should be measured, not guessed based on general health. The blood pressure number in both arms may differ slightly. Therefore, measuring blood pressure in both arms at least once can provide useful information for the doctor.
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