High blood pressure affects many people in the world today, and while many are aware of the common high risk factors for high blood pressure, such as smoking, excessive drinking, unhealthy foods, and little to no exercise, there are also some uncommon, sneaky reasons you might be at risk for high blood pressure.
Here are 5 little known causes of high blood pressure:
- Eating Out
Those who eat out often typically are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure, even if they exercise regularly or at a healthy weight. The problem with eating out is that most restaurants prepare their food with lots of salt, which in excess, is bad for the heart. Additionally, many restaurant foods are fattening, which can lead to high blood pressure.
If you are worried about your blood pressure, it is wise to visit a doctor and have physical done. Consider getting short term health insurance to cover your doctor’s visit.
- Medicine
Many prescribed medications can in fact increase your risk for high blood pressure. Though the medicine you are taking is most likely to alleviate a particular condition, it is important to note that some can raise your blood pressure, which can be extremely dangerous. For instance, those taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as medicines to ease arthritis or asthma conditions, can be at risk for high blood pressure, because those medications restrict blood vessels.
- Not Enough Vitamin D
Being deficient in Vitamin D has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. The body makes Vitamin D when it is in the sun, and if the body does not have enough Vitamin D, the body makes renin, a molecule, in excess. Renin causes the breakdown of other molecules, which can lead to high blood pressure. Because Vitamin D controls how much renin the body makes, Vitamin D can keep blood pressure down.
- Metal Poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning has been known to give high blood pressure. Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are known for raising blood pressure because these metals obstruct the metabolic process in the body. In general, mercury can often be found in fish, lead paints, processed foods, and even cosmetic products. However, getting too much mercury can lead to mercury poisoning, which is extremely dangerous. It not only affects your blood pressure and metabolism, it can also directly affect your heart.
- Sleep Apnea
Many who suffer from sleep apnea might also be suffering from high blood pressure. Sleep apnea is a condition that affects a person’s ability to breath when sleeping, because the tissues in the throat can collapse during sleep, causing a blockage in breathing. Because the body naturally wakes up when it needs air, many people with sleep apnea sleep little throughout the nights, and are often very fatigued. Research has shown that those with sleep apnea often are at risk for hypertension or heart failure.
It is important to be aware of these causes of high blood pressure so you can avoid them and stay healthy.
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