High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for heart disease and future health risks. It can be largely asymptomatic—meaning you may not realize you have it until you get tested or have a health crisis—but knowing the causes will help you determine your level of risk and know when to see a heart doctor. Below is a guide to the causes of high blood pressure, as well as ways to reduce it.

What Causes It?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens over time, and it occurs when your pressure readings are consistently higher than they should be. It can be caused by several lifestyle factors. Using substances like tobacco or alcohol, having an unhealthy diet that’s high in sodium, a sedentary lifestyle, abusing illicit substances, consuming high levels of caffeine, and poor sleep patterns all contribute to increased blood pressure.

Other risk factors include age, as it often rises as you get older, and a family history of the condition, especially in the immediate family. Conditions like obesity and diabetes may also increase your risk of developing hypertension.

How Can You Lower It?

If you have hypertension or are at risk of developing it, there are steps you can take to keep it under control.

The first and most important is regular visits to your primary care physician or heart doctor to monitor your levels and, if necessary, receive medication to lower it. The next step is to make lifestyle changes where possible. Increase your daily exercise, eat less salt and more potassium, limit your caffeine intake, and develop a weight loss plan with your physicians if you’re obese.

If you use tobacco, alcohol, or an illicit substance, make a plan with a support system in place to help you stop. You should also take part in stress management activities like yoga, and take your pressure readings at home throughout the day to measure your progress and keep your physician updated. 

If you’re concerned about high blood pressure, consider getting a cardiac screening at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA in Rochelle Park, NJ. With over 20 years of experience, they’re a full-service cardiology practice that assists with and offers diagnostic testing, cardiac screening, and interventional treatments. Learn more about their services online and call (201) 845-3535 to schedule a cardiac screening or other test today.