What can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure

Last updated on January 10, 2022

Content By: Dr. Nikita Toshi BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review), Dr. Ritu Budania MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs

In this article

Last updated on January 10, 2022

Overview

While visiting a doctor, you might have observed how most visits would start with a blood pressure check. This is because high blood pressure is linked to a variety of health conditions and hence it is essential to regularly check your blood pressure levels and maintain them within a healthy range.

Did you know that approximately 234 million Indians suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) in India? Out of that, 11.3% of individuals lie between the age of 15 to 49. The younger generation due to their fast-paced and stressful lives is also at risk of developing high BP.  

High BP is also known as hypertension and having this health condition can put the patient at risk for stroke and heart diseases. Keeping that in mind, learning the causes of sudden high blood pressure can help you prevent medical emergencies that may follow due to the same.

So read on to find out the causes of sudden high blood pressure, its types, signs of high blood pressure, risk factors, natural ways to lower blood pressure and cures for high blood pressure to help you lead a healthy life.

Overview

While visiting a doctor, you might have observed how most visits would start with a blood pressure check. This is because high blood pressure is linked to a variety of health conditions and hence it is essential to regularly check your blood pressure levels and maintain them within a healthy range.

Did you know that approximately 234 million Indians suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) in India? Out of that, 11.3% of individuals lie between the age of 15 to 49. The younger generation due to their fast-paced and stressful lives is also at risk of developing high BP.  

High BP is also known as hypertension and having this health condition can put the patient at risk for stroke and heart diseases. Keeping that in mind, learning the causes of sudden high blood pressure can help you prevent medical emergencies that may follow due to the same.

So read on to find out the causes of sudden high blood pressure, its types, signs of high blood pressure, risk factors, natural ways to lower blood pressure and cures for high blood pressure to help you lead a healthy life.

Written by

BDS, Assistant Manager (Medical Review)

Reviewed by

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology) Head, Medical Affairs

What is blood pressure? It refers to the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls when the heart pumps blood. When the force is too high, it starts affecting the body. Knowing the causes of high blood pressure will help in maintaining the blood pressure at normal levels and leading a healthy life.

Blood pressure readings consist of two values – systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure – This is the first value, it is the measure of pressure within your arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from your heart to other parts of your body) when your heartbeats. 

Diastolic blood pressure – This is the second value, it is the measure of pressure within the arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Normal BP – 120 mmHg/80 mmHg or less than that 

• Elevated BP – The systolic values are between 120 and 129 mmHg and the diastolic values are less than 80 mmHg.
• High BP (stage 1) – The systolic values fall in the range 130 – 139 mmHg or the diastolic values fall in the range 80 – 89 mmHg.
• High BP (stage 2) – The systolic values are 140 mmHg or higher or the diastolic values 90 mmHg or higher. 
• Hypertensive crisis – The systolic values are higher than 180 and/or the diastolic higher than 120 mmHg. 

A constant high blood pressure reading in most cases may indicate a severe underlying issue that needs to be identified to prevent further heart-related complications. In case of a hypertensive crisis, you should seek medical help immediately.

The diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure involve monitoring the levels at home with frequent healthcare visits. In addition, your doctor might recommend a diet to lower blood pressure and prescribe medications and lifestyle changes.

Blood pressure is calculated by measuring the force exerted by the circulating blood against the walls of your arteries by an instrument called sphygmomanometer or BP apparatus. It can be a manual device or a battery-operated digital apparatus.

There are many easy-to-use blood pressure monitors that can be used to measure your BP at home. There are two main types of BP monitors available in India:

Manual BP monitors – These devices include a cuff that is wrapped around your upper arm, a rubber squeeze bulb to inflate it manually and a gauge that measures the blood pressure and reflects it as a rise or fall in the mercury column. A stethoscope is used to listen to the sounds – Korotkoff sounds are generated when a blood pressure cuff changes the flow of blood through the artery. If operated correctly, they give accurate results. They are less expensive than digital BP monitors.

Digital BP monitors – They consist of a small screen on which your BP and pulse readings are displayed. They have an error indicator, too. The inflation and deflation of the cuff are automatic, making them easier to use than manual BP monitors. Body movements and irregular heartbeats affect the accuracy of the results Hence, they should be used in the correct way.

Typically, 120/80 is seen as normal but it varies from person to person. It’s best to consult your doctor to understand your blood pressure normal range. Athletes can have lower blood pressure since their cardiovascular system is more efficient and pumps a larger volume of blood with lesser effort.

If your blood pressure is higher than normal, it means that your heart is working harder to pump blood through the body. With higher blood pressure the arteries are also under greater strain and can get damaged, especially at stage 1 hypertension or higher.

It is found that women may experience changes in blood pressure due to circumstances such as menopause and pregnancy. Furthermore, studies have also shown that birth control pills may cause fluctuations from the normal blood pressure for women.

Blood pressure outside the normal range, especially higher than normal, could indicate narrowing arteries, high levels of stress, irregular sleep, insufficient exercise or poor diet. In certain cases, blood pressure rises due to other factors like side effects from medication or illness.

Even when you are pregnant, normal blood pressure would be within the range of 90 – 120 systolic and 60 – 80 diastolic. However, blood pressure fluctuations are common during pregnancy. Get a BP monitor device and consult your doctor on how to manage your blood pressure when it rises. The target range of blood pressure may vary for different individuals, understand this from your doctor and try to maintain your BP in the prescribed range.

If you had hypertension before your pregnancy or if you develop hypertension in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, you may have chronic hypertension that is not related to your pregnancy.
Hypertension related to the pregnancy usually develops after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy This usually goes away after giving birth. However, developing hypertension during pregnancy usually increases the risk of hypertension in the future. Hypertension during pregnancy can be an indication of Preeclampsia – a complication during pregnancy that can be identified by signs like – rise in BP, swelling on hands and feet, protein in the urine, headache and dizziness. That’s why it is important to follow up regularly with your doctor, take a good diet and exercise moderately while you are pregnant.
Generally, the blood pressure in men is higher than in women of similar ages. However, BP ranges in men and women depending on several factors like their age, underlying medical conditions and the medications they take. So, it is advisable to consult your doctor to check if your blood pressure is normal.

There are two main types of high BP – primary and secondary hypertension.

Essential or primary high BP happens in most adults and the cause is usually vague or unknown. It is a type of hypertension that tends to develop over many years.

Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension that is caused due to an underlying condition. It can happen suddenly, causing high BP and then primary hypertension. Several reasons for high blood pressure are kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, adrenal gland tumours, illegal drugs, certain drugs like cold remedies, birth control pills, etc.

Isolated systolic hypertension – It is a systolic BP with above 140 mmHg and under 90 mmHg for diastolic BP. It is more common in older adults and it is reported that 15% above 60 years have isolated systolic hypertension.

Resistant hypertension – This high BP parameter is not easy to control and needs several medications. People with high blood pressure readings are said to have resistant hypertension when the BP stays above the target level of the treatment. About 10% of people with high BP have resistant hypertension.

Malignant hypertension – Malignant hypertension occurs when high diastolic blood pressure symptoms cause damage to organs. It is an emergency condition and has readings higher than 180/120 mmHg.

White Coat Hypertension – A condition when BP increases in a hospital set up or due to the fear of doctor around. That is why it is advised to monitor and record BP at home as well as in the clinic.

In a Nutshell

• Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood pushing against the artery walls when the heart pumps blood.
• Two main types of hypertension are primary and secondary hypertension.
• 120/80 mmHg is considered normal BP.
• BP levels in men and women vary based on several factors like their age, underlying medical conditions and the medications they take.
• Blood pressure fluctuations for women are quite common during pregnancy.

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Primary and secondary hypertension can occur because of several reasons. The main reason behind secondary hypertension is other diseases such as pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, etc. The causes of sudden high blood pressure can also be high alcohol intake, obesity, high salt intake, insulin resistance, low potassium intake and stress among others.

Smoking – Smoking is one of the main causes of sudden high blood pressure. People who smoke can notice high blood pressure readings temporarily and this can harm the artery walls lining. It can narrow down the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart diseases.

A sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activity – People who are inactive tend to have a higher heart rate compared to active individuals. The higher the heart rate is, the more your heart needs to work with every pump. It applies stronger force on the arteries and lack of physical activities can increase the risk of being overweight as well.

Being overweight or obese – Obesity is one of the major causes of high blood pressure. Fatty deposits in blood vessels can lead to stiffening of arteries, obstruction in flow and a rise in BP.

Excess salt in the diet – Taking extra salt whenever you have meals can be another cause of high blood pressure.

Excessive consumption of alcohol – Over the years, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Two drinks for a man and one drink for a woman is acceptable but for general health, if possible, must be avoided. Consumption of alcohol more than the above levels can lead to high diastolic blood pressure symptoms.

Stress – High-stress levels lead to an increase in BP temporarily and may have long term effects too. It also comprises stress-related activities like improper sleep, overthinking, consuming tobacco, excessive drinking, etc.

Old age – Old age can be one of the reasons for high blood pressure. It is common more in men above 64 years and women above 65 years.

Genetics – The effect of genetics is also one of the causes of sudden high blood pressure. In this situation, people can detect high BP at a young age.

Family history of high blood pressure – If anyone in your family has high BP, there are high chances you will get it. It tends to run in families.

Lack of sleep or having disturbed sleep – Not getting proper sleep for days or sleeping for a few hours can also cause you to develop high blood pressure symptoms.

The causes of sudden high blood pressure can be habits or traits or several other conditions. They are:

End-stage kidney disease – It is a health condition when both kidneys have stopped working and the body is retaining water.

Aldosteronism – This health condition happens because of the excessive secretion of aldosterone (a hormone that regulates the balance of sodium and potassium). Aldosteronism causes an imbalance of potassium, sodium and water.

Thyroid Disease – It happens due to either the under-functioning or over-functioning thyroid gland, essential for producing thyroid hormones that help in maintaining the metabolism of the body.

Kidney disease patients – In some cases, untreated long-term kidney infections can increase the risk of the patient developing high blood pressure.

Diabetes patients – Diabetes, if left untreated or uncontrolled, can damage arteries and result in atherosclerosis. Apart from causing high blood pressure, it can also lead to kidney failure, heart attack or even damage to blood vessels. Atherosclerosis prevention involves adopting lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, staying physically active, managing stress and following the diet chart for heart patients. 

Obstructive sleep apnea – Obstructive sleep apnea is common with high BP patients especially resistant hypertension patients. If proper high blood pressure treatment is not followed, this condition can increase and create sodium and potassium imbalances in the body.

Adrenal gland tumours – It can cause sweating, symptoms of a panic attack and sudden high blood pressure with a headache. If it is not treated right, it can lead to life-threatening damage to other body parts.

Hormone problems – A hormone disorder with high BP can produce aldosterone hormone raising sodium levels in the blood. It also causes an imbalance in potassium levels.

Lupus – Lupus is responsible for causing inflammation and kidney damage that can have permanent damage and more due to the effects of high BP.

Scleroderma – This health condition elevates your BP and increases the protein level in urine. It can cause more serious effects of high BP like kidney complications, rapid organ failure, etc.

Certain medications, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants and over-the-counter pain relievers – Certain medications can increase the BP levels in the body. That’s why it is recommended to consume these drugs in prescribed quantities. If you don’t, it can lead to heart stroke or attack.

Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines – Young adults consuming cocaine and amphetamines can increase their chances of developing sudden high blood pressure with a headache or other health issues.

Deranged lipid profile – A lipid profile is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and fats called triglycerides in your blood. If the results of this test are abnormal, it indicates that there is an excess of blood lipids and fat deposits in the artery walls. This can also increase the chance of one developing high blood pressure.

Obesity – It can increase the risk of high BP, diabetes and heart diseases.

In a Nutshell

• Primary and secondary BP can be caused by factors like weight gain, old age, smoking, etc.
• The risk factors may include severe conditions like diabetes, tumours, etc, which need to be addressed as soon as possible.
• By understanding what causes and risk factors of hypertension, it would be easier for you to keep the parameters in check.

Worried about your blood pressure levels?
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Since many situational and lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking and alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, obesity, lack of quality sleep can trigger a rise in blood pressure. It’s important to monitor blood pressure regularly as sometimes you may not experience high BP symptoms at the early stages.
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can also help you lower the risk of developing several heart diseases.
Therefore, if you encounter any of the below-mentioned symptoms, it could indicate that your blood pressure has reached a point where may require treatment for high blood pressure. Hence, you must visit a doctor and get these parameters checked at the earliest. The signs and symptoms of high blood pressure include:

Severe headaches – Severe headaches can worsen the condition of hypertension patients and should be discussed with a doctor immediately.

Nosebleeds – Nosebleeding is common in hypertension patients.

Fatigue or confusion – Fatigue can be caused by pulmonary artery hypertension. In pulmonary artery hypertension, the vessels which are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the lungs experience excessive pressure, causing fatigue. It also causes shortness of breath, chest pain and lightheadedness.

Vision problems – Another sign of high BP is disturbed vision due to damage to the blood vessels. It exerts pressure on the optic nerve and limits the functioning of the retina, causing vision problems.

Chest pain – Sudden high blood pressure causes symptoms like chest pain because it can decrease oxygen and blood flow to your heart. It damages arteries making them less elastic and can also lead to heart diseases. Because of that, you might experience chest pain.

Shortness of breath – High BP can cause shortness of breath, a symptom of pulmonary hypertension. It happens especially when you are climbing stairs or walking for a long time. Pulmonary hypertension treatment involves taking medications, or in some cases, undergoing surgeries like atrial septostomy or lung transplant. 

Irregular heartbeat – Another cause of sudden high blood pressure is an irregular heartbeat because of temporary conditions, like anxiety, stress reactions, panic attack, excessive caffeine use, etc.

Blood in the urine – Blood in the urine is common in high blood pressure. High BP can also cause less urine formation or even kidney stones.

Pounding in your chest, neck or ears – In some blood pressure patients, there can be a pounding feeling in the neck, chest or ears. Because of that, they might feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Facial flushing – Facial flushing happens due to exposure to hot water or heat, alcohol consumption, exercise, etc. This might be caused by temporarily high blood pressure.

Dizziness – Dizziness can happen because of some drugs which cause an increase in BP levels. It is one of the symptoms that sudden high blood pressure causes, which indicates you must get treatment.

In a Nutshell

• The most common signs of hypertension are dizziness, blood in the urine, facial flushing, shortness of breath, etc.
• If you experience any of these signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, you should visit a doctor and check what medications to follow.

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If high blood pressure is left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to unpleasant complications such as:

Heart attack – One of the most common complications of high blood pressure, heart attacks can occur as a result of thickening and hardening of the arteries.

Aneurysm – Increased blood pressure can cause the vessels to bulge and weaken, creating an aneurysm.

Heart failure – If the symptoms signs of high BP are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to heart failure. In heart failure, the walls of the heart’s pumping chamber thicken making it difficult for the organ to pump blood normally.

Kidney disease or failure – There can be kidney failure because of high BP as the blood vessels of kidneys can be damaged.

Vision loss – If you do not follow a proper diet to lower blood pressure and leave high blood pressure untreated, there is a high chance of you developing eye-related complications or risk of losing vision permanently.

Sexual dysfunction – High BP has been shown to cause erectile dysfunction in males and low sex drive, arousal and vaginal dryness in females.

Angina – It is a type of chest pain, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina is characterized by pressure, tightness or heaviness in the chest.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – PAD is a circulatory problem where the narrowed arteries result in reduced blood flow.

Metabolic syndrome – It is a group of risk factors that can increase the chances of developing heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, low HDL or good cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels and excess fat around the waist.

Memory problems or trouble understanding – It affects the ability to think, learn and remember. There is trouble in understanding concepts.

Dementia – Dementia is a condition characterised by loss of memory, problem-solving, attention, language and other thinking abilities to the extent that it affects the patient’s everyday activities. Blocked or narrowed arteries can limit the blood flow to the brain, giving rise to dementia.

In a Nutshell

• Complications of high blood pressure may include heart attack, stroke, trouble with memory, among other conditions.
• In order to avoid these complications, it is advised to follow a proper diet to keep your blood pressure in check.
• It is also advised to regularly monitor your blood pressure and schedule routine visits to your doctor annually to avoid potential heart conditions going undiagnosed.

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Developing a healthy diet – A healthy diet that contains heart-healthy foods, is a good way to control high BP. It helps in eliminating complications like heart stroke, attack and diseases.

Include physical activities – Reaching a healthy weight is necessary to maintain a healthy body. It helps you to shed pounds, reduce stress and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Adopting a cleaner lifestyle – Smoking and drinking alcohol are two of the main causes of sudden high blood pressure. Adopting a cleaner lifestyle will help maintain your blood pressure at regular levels.

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, the DASH diet is one the most ideal diets you can follow. DASH refers to Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension and is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and nuts, low in sodium, total fat and saturated fat; and adequate in calories.

Too much intake of salt in your meals can cause high blood pressure. Since the foods in the DASH diet are naturally low in sodium, you are generally more likely to consume less salt in your meals if you follow the diet as it is.
Besides the DASH diet, here are a few diet guidelines that BP patients must follow:

Citrus fruits – It includes oranges, grapefruit, lemons and products loaded with minerals, vitamins and plant compounds. Having a single fruit a day would be sufficient to reduce the BP levels.

Fatty fish And salmon – Fatty fish has a good amount of omega-3 fats and reduces inflammation and prevents the growth of elements that constrict blood vessels known as oxylipins.

Sodium and salt – It is a major contributor to high BP and give rise to heart diseases. As per the American Heart Association, you should not consume more than 2300 mg of sodium or one tablespoon.

Processed or fried foods – A lot of packaged foods like chips and various other Indian snacks can contain high amounts of oil and salt that are generally not recommended for high BP patients.

One of the natural ways to lower blood pressure is by including exercise in your daily routine. Exercise can help you not only shed those extra kilos, if you’re overweight but can also strengthen your heart and lung muscles. Exercise is also shown to improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion and metabolism and ultimately lower blood pressure making it an excellent solution for heart patients. However, if you have an underlying heart condition, it is advised that you speak to your doctor before attempting any exercises of your own.
If you are just starting out, here are some exercises you can try:

If you feel you might be at risk of developing high blood pressure, it may be a good idea to reassess your lifestyle and make some changes to help bring down your risk. Here are some ways you can prevent high blood pressure and its complications:

Eat a balanced diet – To reduce the BP levels, you must minimize salt or sodium consumption and increase potassium levels. Eat foods that are lower in fat to lower BP.

Maintain a healthy weight – Make sure to check your weight regularly to avoid the risk of BP. Managing your weight can significantly help reduce the risk of high BP.

Stay physically active – Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce BP. You can start with moderate-intensity aerobic exercises. You can also try out some exercises for heart patients. 

Do not smoke – Smoking cigarettes raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart stroke and attack.

Limit alcohol consumption – Alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure levels and also add more calories.

Manage stress – Learning how to manage and decrease stress levels can boost your physical and emotional health. It will help in lowering the high blood pressure levels. You can also opt for exercising, meditation and listening to music to reduce the chances of sudden high blood pressure.

Monitor your blood pressure at regular intervals – Taking regular BP tests can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure levels and you can consult your doctor if there are any abnormalities in the results and thus help prevent complications.

In a Nutshell

• Avoiding certain unhealthy foods, doing regular exercise and living a healthy lifestyle will reduce the blood pressure levels in your body.
• If you’re new to exercise, try walking or cycling for 10 – 30 minutes every day.
• In addition, lowering your smoking and alcohol consumption and stress levels can go a long way in lowering high blood pressure.

Manage the symptoms of high blood pressure with the right medicines!
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I always lived a carefree life when it came to food. So when my doctor told me I had hypertension, I was not really surprised. Some days I wouldn't feel great but I always adjusted through it. One day I overdid it and forgot to take my medication as well. My blood pressure shot up and I couldn't understand what was happening. I was lucky my wife understood what was happening or I would have been in real danger. I took my medication and felt better on the way to the doctor who told me I was having a hypertensive crisis. I am much more careful after that with my meals and medication.- Chetan

Here’s how Chetan prepared to avoid this situation in the future:

• He got a medicine box that tracks his medications through the day so that he can be sure of whether or not he has taken his medication.
• He cut down on high salt and fried foods to bring down his blood pressure. Regular routine meals were made healthy and heart-friendly but he would give himself a treat every week.
• He got a BP monitor to make sure he can keep an eye on his blood pressure to keep it as far as possible from reaching a hypertensive crisis.

When I was around 24 weeks pregnant, during a routine checkup the doctors noticed my blood pressure was slightly elevated. It didn't seem like a big problem but it was the start of pregnancy-related hypertension. I was advised to take better care of myself but between my mood swings and food cravings, I did not follow the doctor's advice well enough. Because of this at some point, my blood pressure had shot up and my pregnancy was at risk. I was having a panic attack and feeling very distressed. Luckily we had a BP monitor at home for my father in law. My husband had me checked and we got to the hospital on time to make sure I and my baby were safe.- Dhani

Here’s Dhani’s advice to newly pregnant women:

• Pay close attention to what your doctor is telling you and plan for everything ahead of time. You will struggle to keep up as your pregnancy goes on if you are not prepared.
• Pregnancy-related hypertension usually shows up after the first 20 weeks, so keep an eye on your blood pressure with a home BP monitoring instrument. Understand the normal range of BP for you from your doctor and keep an eye on it.
• You can go after your cravings but it is important to follow a good diet, especially if you have pregnancy related-hypertension.

I had a very stressful job in finance. The year-end season was especially difficult for me. I was not eating properly and sleep was very minimal. I spent more than 12 - 14 hours at my desk for days at a time. Even though I was only 35, I started having all the symptoms of hypertension. Not paying attention to my body could have cost me a lot. One night at work I started feeling dizzy and irritable and couldn't control my emotions. Because of the lack of sleep and my rising blood pressure, I was becoming physically and emotionally unstable. I was sweating and I could feel a pain in my chest. A colleague took me to the hospital and insisted I do deep breathing to be more relaxed. My reading was at 180/120 when I got to the hospital. The doctors kept me overnight to monitor me for any signs of heart or blood vessel damage but luckily I was not in danger. Since then I've decided to prioritize my meals and rest over-work and life has been much better.- Suman

Here’s what helped Suman keep his hypertensive crisis at bay:

• Visualise something that can calm your mind. It can soothe and calm the body when you are in a stressed state.
• Even in a time of panic, focus on your breathing and try to get a slow, steady rhythm of deep breaths. This induces a sense of relaxation which can combat stress and bring down blood pressure.
• Don’t ignore the warnings your body is giving you. If you feel discomfort, then it is important to understand what is causing it.
• Reach out to a hospital immediately or call your doctor without delay. Some medicines can be prescribed by your doctor that help bring down the blood pressure immediately. But never self medicate at this stage.

In a Nutshell

• Following a healthy diet, prescribed treatment and staying active are three of the most important remedies for blood pressure patients. They can reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly.
• When you are dealing with a hypertensive episode, try to relax and seek medical attention. If you haven’t taken your blood pressure medication, do so immediately.
• High blood pressure has several complications that can negatively impact the heart in the long term. Check your blood pressure regularly and take measures to control it if it is higher than it should be.

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It is a chronic disease that can be managed well with the medications prescribed by your doctor, diet and lifestyle changes. You may opt for natural ways to lower blood pressure after discussing with your doctor.

There have been many people diagnosed with hypertension who have managed to live a long life. In order to do that, it is advised to consult your doctor regularly, follow your treatment plan and make the right dietary and lifestyle changes to manage the effects of high BP effectively.

While high BP may not always be reversible. The risk of developing complications of high BP can be reduced by managing stress, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, maintaining a diet with less salt, etc.

Some people may not experience any symptoms in this stage, For others, symptoms of stage 1 hypertension can be a headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, vision problems, nosebleeds and many more.

Fruits like berries, bananas, watermelon and kiwis can be included in the diet after discussing with a dietician.

To control your BP levels, brown rice is a better choice as it is a better source of minerals like magnesium and potassium.

To prevent hypertension, you can consume healthy foods, exercise regularly and quit smoking and drinking.

Drinking around 6 – 8 glasses of water on a daily basis can help in keeping you well hydrated and lower the effects of high BP. However, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your exact dietary and water requirements based on your condition.

Dark chocolate contains 50% to 70% cocoa, which is known to reduce BP levels. So, people with slightly high blood pressure can try it. However, it’s advised to consult your doctor before consumption.

Ten minutes of walking three times a day can help lower blood pressure levels. It can have an immediate effect on your health. Speak to your doctor about the right exercise regimen for you depending on your heart condition.

What is pulse pressure? It is calculated by subtracting your diastolic pressure from your systolic pressure. For example – if your blood pressure is 120/80, you have a pulse pressure of 120-80 = 40. It can be a good indicator of your risk of heart disease. If you have a pulse pressure over 60, you should consult your doctor. Increased pulse pressure also means that your arteries may be stiffening, which is a sign of damage to the blood vessels.

A normal pulse rate is usually between 60 – 100bpm or beats per minute. Athletes and people with a strong fitness routine can have a much lower pulse rate thanks to a more efficient cardiovascular system.
You can check your pulse by keeping a finger over the veins or arteries around your wrist. You can also check it by placing a finger on your neck, adjacent to your throat. Count the beats for complete 60 seconds.
Alternatively. you can get a smartwatch or pulse rate monitor to help you keep track of your heart rate.

Doctor's Section

Dr. Nikita Toshi

Dr. Nikita works with PharmEasy as a medical content writer. She completed her B.D.S. from Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur in 2013 with an excellent academic record. Holding a clinical experience of 7 years in dental practice, she has worked at Rameti Oral and Maxillofacial Centre, Allahabad as Associate Dental Surgeon and Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences as Junior Resident. Her clinical skills include bleaching, restorations, R.C.T, Re R.C.T., single visit R.C.T. and F.P.Ds, dental extractions, minor OT procedures, oral prophylaxis, curettage, root planing, and perio-splint. Dr. Nikita frequently speaks on dental health talks organized at schools and other institutes to help in raising awareness on dental health in society. She has also written a research paper published in a reputed journal.

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Dr. Ritu Budania

Dr. Ritu Budania heads PharmEasy’s medical content and catalogue management teams. She did her MBBS from Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai; followed by post-graduation in MD Pharmacology from Government Medical College, Nagpur. She was awarded a bronze medal for topping the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in her MD. She has six publications in international and national medical journals. She is also an esteemed industry speaker in the field of pharmacology and has been invited as chief guest/speaker in several medical / pharmacy colleges. She has also helped author the World Health Organisation’s document on ‘Desk View and Situation analysis of Clinical Trials in India’ and helped in signal detection activities for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. She holds expertise in medical writing, ethics, and GCP in biomedical research, advanced pharmacovigilance, and biostatistics.

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