Stress Less Recover More
Being stressed once in a while can be okay. But being stressed for days on end is a different story. Chronic stress is the mother root of many diseases. Stress is actually one of the main causes of high blood pressure in women. As we go through menopause, our bodies face different kinds of stress. We undergo mental stress when we feel overwhelmed by the various events in our life. Most often, this kind of stress causes physical and psychological changes. Some physical symptoms of stress include headaches, upset stomach and increased heart rate and BP. Psychological or emotional symptoms are anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. Have you noticed these changes?
Constant and prolonged stress doesnt give your body enough time to recover. Imagine being in a boxing match with lifes many stressors. Thats about 12 rounds of non-stop fight-or-flight mode, always deciding whether to fight or to defend. The body does not give up easily! It will work with each blow and fight stress by releasing cortisol and adrenaline rapidly. While your body wants the best for you, these hormones can cause more harm than good. They will pump up all your body processes, including your blood pressure. Eventually, your body will get exhausted from working too much and a series of ills could result from this, such as heart attacks, kidney problems and other grave conditions.
What Are The Possible Side Effects
Medicines affect everyone differently. Not everyone will have the same side effects from a certain medicine.
Antihypertensive medicines might make you feel dizzy when you stand up. They also might lower the levels of potassium in your blood. You may have trouble sleeping or feel tired during the day. You might have a cough, dry mouth, and headaches. You may feel bloated, constipated, or depressed. Some antihypertensive medicines can cause men to have erection problems.
Talk with your doctor about any side effects you notice. If one medicine does not work for you or if it causes side effects, you can try another medicine. Let your doctor help you find the right medicine for you.
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Nicotine Causes High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is high blood pressure. The known causes are; high cholesterol, obesity, chronic stress and cigarette smoking. High blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and the left ventricle gradually enlarges. When this happens the increase in size of the heart muscle means the heart requires more oxygen. When the extra oxygen required by the heart is not delivered the heart muscle suffers from starvation and over time this can lead to infarction.
Heart AttackMyocardial Infarction is the medical term for a heart attack. Myocardial = heart, Infarction=dead tissue. .
With;hypertension comes increased stress on the walls of the blood vessels throughout the body which increases the risk of aneurysms, heart attack and strokes. Quite often the vessels most affected are those supplying the retinas of the eye the result of which is disturbed vision.
Treatment must first and foremost include lifestyle changes – quit smoking if you smoke, lose weight if you are obese and try to remove stress factors from your life if you are stressed. Regular exercise and restricting salt, fats and calories will improve circulation.
Medication
If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs will probably be prescribed such as; calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, diuretics and vasodilators.
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Is Salt Really Off Limits
Salt can raise blood pressure in some people. Most people who have high blood pressure should get no more than 2,400 mg of salt each day from their food and drinks. This is about one teaspoon plus one fourth of a teaspoon. Your doctor may tell you to limit your salt even more than this.
Do not add salt to your food at the table. Check the labels on your drinks and canned and frozen foods to see how much salt they have in them. While some foods, such as potato chips, obviously have a lot of salt in them, you may be surprised to see how much salt is in foods like bread or cheese.
Why Does Smoking Cause A Rise In Blood Pressure Levels
Smoking damages the walls of the arteries and contributes to the formation of plaque on the artery walls. As the plaque builds up, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the tissues and organs of the body. This increased workload also increases the force of the blood on the artery walls. Blood pressure increases immediately after tobacco use, but consistent use of cigarettes and other risky behaviors increase the risk for continued high blood pressure.
Carbon monoxide actually dilates the blood vessels, which usually makes it easier for the blood to pass through the circulatory system. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide has serious effects on the lungs and other body organs. The inclusion of carbon monoxide in tobacco may also contribute to increased blood pressure after smoking.
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You Have A Beer Every Day Or Many On Weekends
It has long been known that heavy drinking can boost blood pressure. Research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual scientific meeting demonstrated that even moderate alcohol consumptionseven to 13 drinks per weeksubstantially raises a person’s risk for hypertension. Data for the research came from the large, decades-long NHANES study that followed 17,000 U.S. adults between 1988 and 1994. Researchers found that compared with people who never drank, moderate drinkers were 53% more likely to have stage 1 hypertension and twice as likely to have stage 2, while heavy drinkers were 69% more likely to have stage 1 hypertension and 2.4 times as likely to have stage 2.
You Eat In The Evening
It may not surprise you that late-night eating can cause high blood pressure, but even having a big dinner in the evening can do it, too. Consuming 30% or more of a day’s calories after 6 p.m. was associated with a 23% higher risk of developing hypertension, according to a study funded by the American Heart Association . The fix: Eat most of your calories before dinner.
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High Blood Pressure Smoking And Alcohol Are Biggest Health Risks
People with high blood pressure are at the greatest risk of ill health and an early death, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, with tobacco use as the second biggest danger, and alcohol use third. Among young people, aged between 15 and 49, a drinking habit is the most likely cause of disability and an early grave.
High blood pressure can be caused or made worse by diet, such as too much sodium in salt and salty foods, but some populations have a genetic predisposition, as in India. In Europe and North America, many middle-aged people are given pills to bring their blood pressure down because it is a big risk factor for stroke, one of the main causes of death in the world today.
The IHME study finds that in 2010, high blood pressure was to blame for 9.4 million early deaths and 7% of DALYs . This compared with 6.3 million people killed as a consequence of smoking or inhaling other people’s smoke. Tobacco also caused 6.3% of global DALYs.
Alcohol caused 5 million deaths in 2010 and 5.5% of global DALYs. Drinking can cause liver cancer and cirrhosis, but also plays a part in other diseases, such as cancer of the oesophagus, and kills because intoxicated people often end up in violent incidents and accidents. The study shows that alcohol has become a big problem now in eastern Europe, where it is responsible for a quarter of all disease. It also takes a big toll across Latin America.
When Your Hypothalamus Is Out Of Balance Vasopressin Production Can Be Erratic Causing Fluctuations In Your Blood Pressure
One of the best ways to deal with hypertension throughout menopause is to get your hypothalamus in balance. Supporting your hypothalamus can help keep your blood pressure stable by normalizing your stress response and vasopressin production. Getting enough sleep helps support your hypothalamus function, which I know can be difficult because of insomnia some women experience during menopause. Also, making sure that you keep your weight in check really helps lower your risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Regular exercise and a diet thats low in starchy, sugary carbs, with adequate protein and healthy fats, and lots of colorful fruits and vegetables will make a big difference in keeping your blood pressure in control.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Hrt
About 5 to 10 percent of women treated with HRT have side effects which may include breast tenderness, fluid retention and mood swings. In most cases, these side effects are mild and do not require the woman to stop HRT therapy.
If you have bothersome side effects from HRT, talk to your doctor. He or she can often reduce these side effects by changing the type and dosage of estrogen and/or progestin.
If you have a uterus and take progestin, monthly vaginal bleeding is likely to occur. If it will bother you to have your monthly menstrual cycle, discuss this with your health care provider.
Causes Of High Blood Pressure
When you go through menopause, your estrogen levels drop, which can affect your blood pressure. So once you know for sure that youre menopausal, its very important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. But before you get all stressed out about it, just know that its enough to do it once every six months or so, just to keep an eye on things.
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Continue Learning About Hypertension
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Risk Factor For Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, OSAS for short, is now considered to be a proven risk factor for high blood pressure or a possible cause of difficult to control or nocturnal hypertension, a type of secondary hypertension Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a severe one sleep-disordered breathing, in which the airways narrow periodically.
It leads to repeated respiratory arrest so-called apneas for at least ten seconds, or to significantly reduced breathing, often between full snore episodes. Patients with sleep apnea are often troubled with other health risks such as obesity and smoking. Alcohol and sleep aids also play a role in OSAS.
They weaken the muscles that keep the throat open. Treatment of the condition and the accompanying problems can affect the unpleasant symptoms as well as serious sequelae especially heart attack and stroke favorably. And: If the doctor has not explicitly prescribed a sleep aid, it is taboo in a sleep apnea syndrome.
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Causes Of Sudden High Blood Pressure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of out every three American adults suffers from diagnosed high blood pressure with only one half keeping their pressure under control. Sudden high blood pressure usually occurs to a small percentage of people with high blood pressure. This can include young adults, including a high number of African-American men, and those experiencing:
- Collagen vascular disorders
- Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
Sudden high blood pressure can also be brought on by daily activities and practices.
- Medication use such as over-the-counter pain relievers, a combination of various medications, and abuse of cocaine and marijuana can spike blood pressure levels.
- Smoking can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure as the chemicals, including nicotine, damage the linings of our blood vessels.
- Diet habits are critical to maintaining normal blood pressure levels as the bad fat and sodium found in many foods increase the blood solute content. It also can build up and block the blood vessels, leading to major heart trouble such as a stroke.
- Stress is part of our everyday life and becoming anxious about your worries can increase risk for spikes in blood pressure twofold.
- Medical conditions like kidney disease, spinal injuries, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid issues, and scleroderma can raise blood pressure rapidly.
Sudden Increase In Blood Pressure 6 Common Reasons
Posted by Dr. Chris
Changes in the blood pressure occur throughout the day. In fact your blood pressure can change several times within a minute and sudden fluctuations largely depends on what you are doing and your state of mind. However, for most people the blood pressure will not rise above nor drop below the normal range. It is important to understand that there is no specific number that can be considered normal for blood pressure. Not even the widely accepted 120/80 mmHg.
Instead your blood pressure fluctuates within a normal range which changes with age. For adults, the uppermost level is known as the systolic pressure. It is the pressure recorded when your heart contracts and normally can vary from 90 to 119 mmHg. Similarly the lowest level known as the diastolic pressure can vary from 60 to 79 mmHg. It is the pressure recorded when your heart relaxes. Therefore the ideal blood pressure for adults which is said to be 120/80mmHg is actually the highest normal reading, after which are either have pre-hypertension or hypertension .
However, there are some occasions where there can be a minor increase for just short periods of time. It can slightly exceed the normal maximum levels but returns to normal soon thereafter. It is for this reason that doctors take blood pressure readings on at least 3 separate occasions to diagnose hypertension. If one reading is high, your doctor will wait about 5 minutes and ask you to relax before checking your BP again.
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How Do Menopausal Hormone Changes Affect The Circulatory System
In the years preceding menopause, the bodyâs estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone production decreases. This has numerous effects on the bloodstream as estrogen and progesterone imbalances can cause blood vessels to expand and constrict sporadically, thus;triggering headaches. Decreased;estrogen and testosterone levels also hinder the bodyâs ability to metabolize sodium, which can in turn lead to high blood pressure .
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How Does The Menopause Impact Your Heart Health
The role of oestrogen isnt just limited to female reproductive health; it has countless other responsibilities throughout the body, supporting bone, brain, skin, blood vessels and heart health . So, when oestrogen drops as it begins to do in the perimenopause naturally, there will be an impact on your heart and cardiovascular system.
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Its Incredibly Important To Keep Your Hormones In Balance As You Go Through The Change
Your hypothalamus also helps control your blood pressure by producing a hormone called vasopressin, which controls the volume of fluid around your cells. Vasopressin is also an antidiuretic hormone, which affects your kidneys production of urine. More vasopressin means less urine output, which results in higher blood volume and increases your blood pressure.
Preventing Weight Gain And Controlling Blood Pressure During Smoking Cessation In Hypertensive Smokers
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| First Posted : June 6, 2005Last Update Posted : January 8, 2013 |
- Study Details
| Cardiovascular DiseasesHeart DiseasesHypertension | Drug: Nicotine Replacement TherapyBehavioral: Diet | Not Applicable |
BACKGROUND:
DESIGN NARRATIVE:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Smoke at least 5 cigarettes/day
- Pre-hypertensive or Stage I hypertension . Antihypertensive medications are not criteria for exclusion provided that BP is not over 160/100 mm Hg)
- Access to a telephone
Exclusion Criteria:
Information from the National Library of Medicine
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier : NCT00113074
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Smoking Causes High Blood Pressure But Is It Fact
It has been thoroughly researched and found that smoking causes high blood pressure temporarily by restricting blood vessels.
You may not know what`s causing yours in particular if you suffer from it, but if you smoke, then this article should convince you why avoiding such a strong contributing factor can help eliminate the symptoms and in some cases, rectify the damage.
If you smoke or have ever smoked, you already know the calming effect a cigarette has on you. The longer you go without one, the more relaxing and calming the effect will be when you do have one. But like any stimulant, the nicotine can also increase anxiety, one of many smoking symptoms. If this sounds contradictory, I can assure you, it isn`t.
An addiction or dependency develops when a smoker regularly takes in nicotine. The relaxed feeling they experience is the nicotine acting as a stimulant, improving mood and alertness. Stimulation also causes anxiety and hyperactivity, but when the body doesn`t receive nicotine, the smoker experiences negative reactions and a craving. This is an outward manifestation of dependency, the physical and psychological effects.
Some researchers say that smoking is not associated with an increase in the development of hypertension, but rather that it has only a temporary, immediate effect, raising blood pressure 5 to 10 mmHg, and true, this temporary raising is partly due to the constricting of blood vessels, a smoking symptom.
Damage to the Arteries