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Circulation problems? Learn why blood pressure increases and what you can do to decrease the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Measuring blood pressure means measuring the force of your blood as it pushes against your blood vessel walls. As the heart pumps blood into your blood vessels, your blood is delivered throughout your body to help it function.

However, if you have high blood pressure (hypertension), it can be hard for your heart to effectively pump blood. In fact, high blood pressure may lead to various conditions such as atherosclerosis, stroke, kidney disease, and even heart failure.

Blood Pressure Ranges

why blood pressure increasesWhen measuring blood pressure, the top number is the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is diastolic blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, elevated is 120-129/less than 80, and stage 1 is 130-139/80-89. 

Moreover, stage 2 is 140+/90+ and hypertensive crisis is anything higher than 180 over 120 (get medical attention immediately).

Why Blood Pressure Increases

While we may not know the exact cause of high blood pressure, there are several factors that play a role. For example, smoking, being overweight or obese, leading a sedentary life, and a sodium-rich diet can increase your blood pressure. Furthermore, consuming too much alcohol, stress, older age, genetics, chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea can increase it as well.

Different Types of Hypertension

When your high blood pressure is not due to an identifiable underlying cause, you have “essential hypertension.” Those with essential hypertension can make healthy lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure and prevent it from developing further. For example, you can decrease the sodium in your diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and become physically active.

On the other hand, secondary hypertension is when high blood pressure is due to an identifiable underlying condition. For example, kidney disease, tumors, and other abnormalities can elevate blood pressure levels by secreting excess amounts of certain hormones. In addition, birth control pills and pregnancy can also increase blood pressure as well as medications that constrict blood vessels.

Likelihood of Developing Hypertension

what are sterolsIn addition to the lifestyle factors mentioned above, certain populations have an increased risk of high blood pressure. These include people with family members who have hypertension, smokers, pregnant women, and women who take birth control pills. 

It also includes African-Americans, people older than 35, overweight people, those with sleep apnea, and people with unhealthy habits. However, by making healthy changes to your lifestyle, you can significantly decrease the risk of high blood pressure.

Moreover, you can take daily supplements like L-arginine Plus to help promote your circulation and blood pressure health. Try L-arginine Plus along with regular exercise and a healthy diet if you want to effectively support your health.