When it comes to maintaining your health, knowledge and preventative care are key. If you know what to look out for and things to stay away from, it can be instrumental for your overall health. Many adults experience high blood pressure, and there are a number of factors that contribute to it.

If left untreated, it can lead to heart problems, stroke, and even kidney disease, so it’s important to know what can put you at risk. Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Maryland explains the most common causes of high blood pressure.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

1. Smoking Cigarettes

While you may know that smoking can lead to lung cancer, the nicotine in cigarettes can also result in high blood pressure. By hardening the walls of your heart and causing your heart rate to rise, that added stress can contribute to high blood pressure.

2. Family History or Genetics

Hypertension can often be passed down through generations; if you know a parent or grandparent has a history of this health issue, you should get yours checked out by a doctor. You might need medication or various lifestyle changes to help maintain a normal blood pressure.

3. Being Overweight

When you gain weight, your blood pressure also increases. If you’re classified as overweight or obese, you’re at risk for high blood pressure because it takes more pressure to move blood throughout the body.

4. High-Stress Levels

During a stressful setting, bodies begin to produce hormones that make your heart beat faster and your blood pressure to go up. If possible, try to avoid situations that cause you stress or speak with your doctor on ways to better manage it so you can maintain a normal blood pressure, even during stressful times.

5. Not Being Active Enough

Exercising helps lower blood pressure in a few ways — working out helps you maintain a healthy weight, release endorphins, and promote heart health. Try to pencil in 30-minute activities at least five days a week to help your body better regulate blood flow.

When you have a question about your health, call the local pharmacy. For quality pharmaceutical care, visit Columbia Hickory Pharmacy. Part of the CARE network, the pharmacists are experienced in handling all your needs from prescription questions to blood pressure kits and consultations. To learn more about the team and how they can help you, visit them online or call (410) 964-6409 for any questions.