7 Less Well-Known Hypertension Factors

The Huffington Post collected 7 surprising cause of high blood pressure, a condition affects about one in three adults only in the United States.

Synthetic Compunds in Bottles
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound which is used to make certains plastics, such as cans or bottles, and may seep into food and drink and improve blood pressure. Risks can be reduced by eating less canned food, opting for non-plastic or BPA-free containers and avoiding mictrowaving plastic food containers.

Sugar
Latest research suggests that not only salt, but also fructose, which is added to processed foods and drinks, can be blamed for the development of hypertension. Limit processed food and try to reduce your sugar intake (<6 teaspoons for women/day and 9 for men).

Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disporder, which is often goes undiagnosed, although nearly 40% of hypertensive patients have obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS). The symptoms include snoring, drowning nightmares, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and hypertension.
Diagnostic protocols require patients to be referred to fully equipped sleep labs, but Meditech apneABP monitor can help in screening for patients with suspected sleep apnea in primary care. If the diagnosis is ready, treatment includes lifestyle changes, surgery and breathing devices.

Loneliness
You tend to feel more relaxed if you are with supportive friends. A new study showed a direct correlation between loneliness and hypertension among people 50 years old and older. Life events may isolate you from former friends, therefore it is important to be open to develop new friendships as well.

Hot tubes and saunas
The heat causes blood vessels to open up, so be careful not to overheat.

Medications
Certain drug ingredients may raise your blood pressure, espacially if it is taken on a daily basis i.e.: ibuprofen in pain or anti-inflammatory medications. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

Thyroid problems
Thyroid disorder, when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, is one of the conditions that may cause secondary hypertension.

For 25 years, Meditech has been developing cardiovascular monitoring solutions for treating and diagnosing hypertension and heart disease.