Triggers of High Blood Pressure Part 2

Описание: 🧐 What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Some persons private chatted me asking to know what causes high blood pressure. Well, In most cases, there isn't one single "trigger," but rather a combination of factors. Doctors usually split these into two categories:

1. Things You Can't Control (Non-Modifiable)
• Age: Our arteries naturally stiffen as we get older.
• Genetics: If your parents had hypertension, you’re at higher risk.
• Ethnicity: People of Black African or Caribbean descent often have a higher predisposition.

2. Things You Can Control (Modifiable)
• Too Much Salt: Excess sodium makes your body hold onto water, which puts extra pressure on your blood vessels.
• Weight: Being overweight (especially around the midsection) forces the heart to work harder.
• Lack of Activity: A sedentary lifestyle weakens the heart over time.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and chronic stress.

✅ How to Avoid (or Lower) It
The good news is that hypertension is often manageable—and sometimes reversible—through daily habits:
• Slash the Salt: Aim for less than 5g (about one teaspoon) of salt per day. Avoid processed "cube" seasonings and heavy canned foods.
• Move Your Body: Just 30 minutes of brisk walking 5 days a week makes a massive difference.
• Eat "Heart Foods": Focus on potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, beans, and green leafy vegetables.
• Manage Stress: Find a way to "unplug"—whether it’s prayer, meditation, or just deep breathing.
• Regular Checks: This is why you need that monitor! Checking regularly lets you see which lifestyle changes are actually working.