High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for serious conditions such as stroke, heart attacks, kidney problems, and vision complications. Many people don’t even know they have it, which makes managing blood pressure essential for overall health.
Controlling your blood pressure is not only important, but it’s also essential for protecting your long-term health. Below, we explore the five most common causes that can increase your blood pressure.
1. Chronic Stress
Constant stress keeps the body in a state of alert. This triggers the release of hormones such as epinephrine, leading to vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and, as a result, increased blood pressure. Studies have shown that chronic psychological factors are associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension¹.
2. Lack of Sleep
Poor sleep or not getting enough rest disrupts the body’s hormonal balance. This increases stress hormones and affects the natural regulation of blood pressure. Studies show that sleeping too little (less than 7 hours) or too much (more than 9 hours) is associated with a higher risk of hypertension².
3. Excess Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods
High consumption of sugar and ultra-processed foods not only impacts body weight but also cardiovascular health. These foods often contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, and additives that affect blood vessel function. Unhealthy diets are linked to a higher risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle or Lack of Physical Activity
Physical inactivity reduces the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. Regular exercise helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Numerous studies have found that physically active individuals have a lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those who are sedentary³.
5. Excess Sodium
Excess sodium intake is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Although many people believe they control their salt intake, the reality is that most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods such as canned goods, deli meats, cereals, and dressings. Health guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day to help maintain healthy blood pressure.
High blood pressure is silent, but its consequences can be serious. The good news is that making small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in helping keep it under control. Additionally, adding a supplement like Circulación Plus—whether in capsules or powder form—is a great way to support healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Your Santo Remedio Team
References
1. 1. Katherine T Mills, Andrei Stefanescu, Jiang He. The global epidemiology of hypertension. 2020 Apr;16(4):223-237. doi: 10.1038/s41581-019-0244-2. Epub 2020 Feb 5. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32024986/
2. 2. Chunnan Li, Shaomei Shang. Relationship between Sleep and Hypertension: Findings from the NHANES (2007-2014). 2021 Jul 25;18(15):7867. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18157867. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34360157/
3. 3. Keith M Diaz, Daichi Shimbo. Physical activity and the prevention of hypertension. 2013 Dec;15(6):659-68. doi: 10.1007/s11906-013-0386-8. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24052212/
