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There are several reasons why our blood pressure may be elevated. After all, our cardiovascular system responds to several physical and psychological inputs. For example, when you are embarrassed, excited, or nervous, your heart starts beating faster, you may get flushed, and your blood pressure may increase. It’s one of the most common reasons why blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office are almost certainly higher than when you are relaxing at home. Blood pressure is also affected by physical exertion. Your blood pressure will rise when you work out or perform physical activity. It can even temporarily increase when you use the sauna or steam room. In the case of exercise and sauna, blood pressure readings typically drop rapidly after the exertion is over and usually settle below baseline for a decidedly beneficial outcome.
These physiologic responses are normal, expected, and healthy. However, chronic high blood pressure or hypertension is far more insidious. It is a significant risk factor for future cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure can occur for several reasons. This article will discuss why it happens and how to handle it.
Stay Hydrated
When we talk about blood thinning, it’s usually the context of anticoagulant medication often for patients with stroke risk. Anticoagulants, however, do not “thin” the blood in a physical sense. Instead, they prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together. The result is easier and more prolonged bleeding, which may make it seem like the blood is thinner. That said, we can thin our blood, and in doing so, we can lower our blood pressure and increase our overall cardiovascular and general health. We can do so by simply hydrating. The blood is comprised of platelets, plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells. In all, water makes up about half of a typical blood cell. When we are dehydrated, even just a little, the blood can become less viscous and, as a result, cannot flow through the arteries and veins as easily. To compensate, the heart must pump harder, which causes high blood pressure. As such, you should stick to the general rule of drinking at least 64 ounces a day and possibly up to 80 ounces or more if you are active.
On the same note, when you are dehydrated, the concentration of sodium in your blood increases, and the body secretes a hormone known as vasopressin to compensate and retain water. This, in turn, constricts the blood vessels and can increase blood pressure…sometimes dramatically.
Lose Weight
One of the primary functions of a strong heart muscle is to pump blood through the unbelievable length of blood vessels in the body. When we gain weight, we develop more fat cells, which must be vascularized too. The more weight we gain, the more blood requirement the body has, and the harder the heart must pump to supply that blood. By losing weight, we also lose some of that vasculature and reduce the requirements of the heart.
Address Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis involves the narrowing of the arteries due to the pressure buildup of plaque along the walls of these vessels. These plaques begin to form early in life, but our diet and exercise habits significantly affect how quickly they create problems. As the vessels are occluded, it becomes harder for the heart to get enough blood through smaller vessels and the extremities. Occluded arteries in the arms and legs contribute to what is known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Occluded arteries are also a significant cause of erectile dysfunction, as the artery that supplies the penis is narrow. However, occluded coronary arteries can eventually lead to a heart attack. While dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle changes cannot reverse atherosclerosis, keeping an eye on its progression and working with your cardiologist to address it is crucial to longer-term blood pressure management.
Stop Smoking
Anything that constricts blood vessels can also cause high blood pressure, which is exactly what nicotine does. In time, the constant construction of the arteries can cause the walls to become less elastic, creating oxygenation problems. This is in addition to the myriad of problems smoking causes in other structures in the body. For anyone considering quitting smoking, the benefits are tremendous, and within just a few years, the risks associated with smoking drop dramatically.
Note that if you have been diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure and your cardiologist has suggested that you take medication to address it, these medications should be taken as directed and not changed or stopped until you have been told to do so by your medical team.
Addressing these issues with your cardiologist through appropriate preventative care and lifestyle changes effectively reduces the risk of long-term acute and chronic cardiovascular disease. Of course, we are always here to help and encourage you to schedule a consultation if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms. In case of emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
