The blood flowing through your heart, arteries, and veins exerts pressure on the blood vessels; this is called blood pressure. In people with high blood pressure, the heart works harder due to the hardening of the blood vessels. Over time, this condition may lead to stroke, kidney diseases, and even heart failure. Here are the top 8 reasons why are suffering from high blood pressure, some of which you can easily correct:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Indians are genetically predisposed to heart diseases. According to a study, a genetic mutation affecting 4% of Indians makes them susceptible to the formation of an abnormal protein that may lead to the deterioration of heart muscles.
2. Family History: Having a family history of heart disease with parents or older siblings having a heart attack before the age of 55 increases one’s risk of developing heart diseases by 50%.
3. Medicines: Certain medicines such as contraceptive pills, antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and even certain cough and cold medicines increase fluid retention in our bodies, exert pressure on the heart, and contribute to high blood pressure. Avoid self-medication.
4. Weight: Being overweight exerts unnecessary pressure on our heart vessels, making them work harder and leads to hypertension. Controlling your weight is important to manage high blood pressure.
5. Diabetes: Having high blood sugar levels hardens the blood vessels of the heart. Most diabetic patients develop high blood pressure over a period. Control your diabetes, and don’t skip medication.
6. Congenital defects: High blood pressure can be a result of certain birth defects in the heart that tend to show up only with age. Talk to your doctor about checking for defects if you have a family history of heart diseases.
7. Drugs and alcohol: Intoxicating yourself with drugs such as cocaine and other party drugs exert great pressure on the heart. Regular intake of alcohol raises blood pressure, increases weight, and weakens the heart muscles leading to heart diseases.
8. Lifestyle: Genetic predisposition and a family history of heart diseases will not cause high blood pressure if a person has a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise regime. Lifestyle factors play a major role in managing high blood pressure
9. Sedentary lifestyle: With an increase in age and responsibilities, physical health takes a backseat. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major causes of developing high blood pressure and other related diseases.
10. Dietary Patterns: Bad food habits such as skipping breakfast, a high-fat diet accompanied with low fruit and vegetable intake all contribute to the development of high blood pressure.
11. Stress: Stress spikes blood pressure levels. In the long run, this adds up over time and leads to the development of hypertension.

Also Read: Home Remedies for High BP

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