4 silent reasons for high blood pressure that few people expect

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney disease, according to the health website Verywell Health (USA).

Eating too few fruits and vegetables contributes to high blood pressure and many other health problems.

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People should limit the following because over time, they can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Eat too few fruits and vegetables

A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables can significantly affect blood pressure levels. These foods are rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, which helps balance sodium levels in the body.

Specifically, potassium dilates blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the negative effects of sodium. If you don’t eat enough potassium-rich foods, sodium can build up in your body, leading to high blood pressure.

Drink even a little alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol can affect blood pressure. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and disrupts the body's natural regulatory mechanisms. People with high blood pressure are advised to limit their alcohol intake.

Lack of sleep

Not getting enough sleep, lack of sleep, and waking up frequently in the middle of the night are factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Sleep plays an important role in the body's recovery process, including cardiovascular health.

Lack of sleep increases stress hormone levels, causing blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster, which increases blood pressure. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to chronic hypertension.

Unable to control stress

Chronic stress is one of the silent causes of high blood pressure. When a person is stressed, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which cause the heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict. This condition, if repeated, will cause blood pressure to remain high for a long time.

Additionally, stress can lead to unhealthy habits like binge eating, poor food choices, drinking more alcohol, and being less active, all of which can increase blood pressure, according to Verywell Health .