Even if you’re watching your salt intake and trying to manage stress, there might be other hidden triggers pushing your blood pressure up.
Here are some unexpected culprits that could be working against your efforts to stay healthy.
Sugar can be worse than salt
While salt has long been blamed for high blood pressure, sugar - especially fructose and corn syrup in soft drinks - might be even more harmful.
One regular soda can cause your systolic pressure to spike by 15 points and diastolic by 9.
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Loneliness stresses your body
Feeling isolated doesn’t just hurt emotionally - it also affects your heart.
A study found that those who felt most alone saw their blood pressure rise by over 14 points in just four years, likely due to constant underlying stress and alertness.
Sleep apnea puts your heart in danger
Loud snoring and breathing interruptions at night might signal sleep apnea, which triggers stress chemicals in the body and limits oxygen.
That results in a steady increase in blood pressure and long-term strain on your blood vessels.
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Low potassium messes with balance
Reducing salt alone isn’t enough if you’re not getting enough potassium. This mineral helps balance sodium and maintain healthy fluid levels.
Foods like spinach, beans, and dairy are great sources that support blood pressure regulation.
Pain causes immediate spikes
Sudden pain, like dipping your hand in ice water, instantly activates your nervous system.
Your blood pressure reacts by jumping up - even if it’s just a temporary response, it highlights how sensitive your body can be.
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Herbal remedies aren’t always gentle
Natural supplements such as ginseng, guarana, and St. John's Wort may sound harmless, but they can raise blood pressure or interfere with hypertension medications.
Always check with your doctor before trying them.
Thyroid issues can go both ways
An underactive thyroid slows your heartbeat and stiffens blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
On the flip side, an overactive thyroid speeds up your heart, also boosting pressure. Both imbalances need medical attention.
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Holding it in stresses your body
Not using the bathroom for too long? That can elevate your numbers too.
A study found systolic pressure rose by 4 points and diastolic by 3 after three hours without urinating - proving your bladder and heart are more connected than you think.
Painkillers can quietly raise pressure
Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are convenient but come with risks.
In people with preexisting conditions, these NSAIDs can noticeably increase blood pressure. Effects vary, so monitor closely if you take them regularly.
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Doctor visits can fool your numbers
Ever noticed higher readings at the doctor’s office? That’s the "white coat effect" - anxiety during checkups can boost your pressure by as much as 10 points.
It’s a reminder that context matters when measuring your health.
Cold meds can tighten your arteries
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine shrink your blood vessels to clear your nose - but that means your heart has to work harder.
These meds can hike up your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of any treatment you're already on.
Dehydration narrows your vessels
When you don’t drink enough water, your body tries to conserve what it has by releasing hormones that constrict your blood vessels.
This increases pressure and forces your heart to pump harder to circulate blood.
Birth control can be a hidden factor
Hormonal contraceptives, particularly in women over 35, smokers, or those with excess weight, can constrict blood vessels and push blood pressure higher.
It’s a risk worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
This article is based on information from WebMD.