What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Picture this: It’s a typical morning. The alarm rings, and everyone starts their day with the usual hustle. There’s a flood of emails from work on your phone, the kids are squabbling over who gets to use the bathroom first, and you’re already running late.

Amidst the chaos, you sip your morning chai and feel the stress building up. This daily hustle, combined with an irregular diet and lack of exercise, might silently contribute to a common health condition that many of us face: High blood pressure.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), around 1 in 4 adults in India suffer from High blood pressure, making it a serious health issue. Understanding the causes of high blood pressure becomes crucial for prevention and management.

Around 90% of high blood pressure cases are due to lifestyle-influenced primary hypertension, while the remaining 10% result from secondary causes like hormonal and renal issues.

In this blog, we will be focusing on the 90% of cases caused by lifestyle factors:

7 Major Factors that Cause High Blood Pressure

1. Family History

One of the primary causes of high blood pressure is genetics. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it as well.

This hereditary trait can make it challenging to avoid hypertension, but being aware of your family history allows you to take preventive measures early.

2. Unhealthy Diet

A diet high in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods can contribute to hypertension. Our Indian traditional diet often includes high salt content due to pickles, papads, and processed snacks.

Reducing salt intake and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage and prevent high blood pressure. Plant-based diets are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can help to improve heart health.

3. Blood Viscosity

Blood viscosity can also impact blood pressure. High blood pressure is often caused by blood that’s too thick and viscous to flow freely through the body’s small capillaries.

To ensure good circulation, the heart has to pump harder, raising blood pressure. Healthy blood should flow more freely, which is achievable by proper hydration and consuming the right fatty acids, especially omega-3s.

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep blood well-hydrated and less viscous, allowing it to flow more freely through the circulatory system.

4. Lack of Physical Activity

Sedentary lifestyles are another major cause of high blood pressure. We lead a lifestyle that involves long hours of sitting at a desk or commuting. Engaging in activities like yoga, walking, and other forms of exercise can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension.

Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improve heart health, and reduce stress levels, which are vital in managing blood pressure.

5. Obesity

Excess body weight can increase pressure on the artery walls, causing hypertension. The rate of obesity is rising in India, with 40% of women and 12% of men being abdominally obese.

Addressing obesity through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential for controlling high blood pressure. Reducing excess weight can help lower blood pressure levels and improve cardiovascular health.

6. Stress

The fast-paced lifestyle, job pressures, family responsibilities, and financial worries can elevate stress levels. Chronic stress releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that temporarily increase blood pressure, which can lead to sustained hypertension over time.

Practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies can significantly reduce stress levels.

7. Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Excessive alcohol intake can damage the heart while smoking increases the risk of heart disease by narrowing blood vessels and making the heart work harder. Reducing or eliminating the use of these substances can have a significant positive impact on blood pressure levels.

Remember, prevention is better than cure, and knowing what causes high blood pressure can help you make informed decisions about your health.

How We At Fitterfly Can Help You?

Our FitHeart program is specifically designed to address the primary lifestyle-related factors responsible for 90% of hypertension cases. Our personalized diet plans, exercise routines, and stress management techniques are designed to eliminate and control the issues that cause high blood pressure.

With regular monitoring and expert support, Fitterfly ensures you stay on track with your health goals and live a happier, healthier life.

Visit our website or contact us today at 08047360646 to learn more about how we can help you manage high blood pressure.