High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels. Most people with high blood pressure feel normal and may not know they have it, but over time, high blood pressure can be harmful to your body.
So, let’s talk about what causes high blood pressure and how to manage it!
Why does checking my blood pressure matter?
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but over time it can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels. It also can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and vision loss. Regular blood pressure checks can help find problems early. More frequent checks may be needed if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, or if you are pregnant, overweight, smoke, or have a family history of high blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure?
Some of the most common causes of high blood pressure include:
- Eating too much salt
- Being overweight
- Not getting enough exercise
- Smoking or vaping
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Stress
- A family history of high blood pressure
- Getting older
How can I lower my blood pressure?
There are many things you can do to naturally lower your blood pressure, including:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Eating less salt
- Choosing healthy food options most of the time
- Being active as much as possible
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking or vaping
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting enough sleep
- Finding healthy ways to handle stress
Tips for checking your blood pressure:
If you’re having your blood pressure checked, sit quietly for five minutes before the test, and keep your back supported and both feet flat on the floor. Use the correct cuff size and take two readings if possible and use the average. Do not smoke, drink caffeine, or exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.
What you need to know:
Normal blood pressure has a top number (systolic) of less than 120 and a bottom number (diastolic) of less than 80. Healthy habits can often lower blood pressure, but your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication if they think it’s needed. Be sure to take your medication as directed, and do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Knowing your numbers can help protect your health, so be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly! To make an appointment at Sun River Health or find a location near you, visit sunriver.org.
About Sun River Health: Sun River Health is a network of 48 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 250,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers started efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York to deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable health care services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after more than 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. For more information, visit sunriver.org
