High blood pressure is a condition that is rather common in the US. Nearly half of the adults in America have high blood pressure. Advanced age plays a huge role in causing one’s blood pressure to increase. High blood pressure, also known as “the silent killer,” often does not have visible signs, thus many adults may not even know they have it. Therefore, it is essential to know what causes the blood pressure to spike.
Old Age
Old age plays a huge role in causing blood pressure to spike in your loved ones. This is because blood increases in volume with age, causing arteries to narrow even more than usual, resulting in high blood pressure. High systolic blood pressure is commonly seen in people of advanced age. Many other reasons may result in a blood pressure spike in your loved ones.
Excessive Weight
Another reason for blood pressure spike is excessive weight. Weight is something that has to be monitored with old age. This is because being overweight is often a leading factor for high blood pressure, alongside other conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and so on. Hence, your loved ones need to watch their diet and exercise frequently to ensure they shed off unnecessary weight which can be a precursor to a blood pressure spike.
Poor Diet
This goes without saying, as you are what you eat. Blood pressure spikes can also be caused by a poor diet. A diet that is high in sodium and cholesterol is a huge contributor to high blood pressure. This is because high cholesterol causes the arteries to clog, which narrows the arteries and increases the risk of blood pressure spike significantly. Sodium is a main contributor to high blood pressure and should be reduced if sodium intake is high.
Smoking Habit
A perpetual smoking habit will contribute to a blood pressure spike. This is because smoking causes the arteries to harden and damages the blood vessels. This will further aggravate the high blood pressure.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is another huge contributor. Besides good dietary habits, being physically active is necessary to constitute a healthy lifestyle. Exercising doesn’t have to be strenuous. For example, a 30-minute walk or cycle every day goes a long way in preventing blood pressure spikes. You can even exercise with friends and family to make it more enjoyable!
Stress
Unsurprisingly, what affects the mental aspect affects the physical too. Stress plays a huge role in causing blood pressure to spike. Hence, find ways to relieve stress. One easy way to follow is to sleep well, and it will help to lower blood pressure.
Let Spring Mill Care for Your Loved Ones
If high blood pressure is not properly controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, it can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, eye problems, vascular dementia, and kidney disease. At Spring Mill By Discovery Senior Living, we have various health and fitness programs planned especially for your loved ones. You can rest assured they will enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle in their golden years. Our dedicated and professional activities director has lined up fun events and activities to help your loved ones regain purpose and fulfillment in their golden years. Contact us to find out more!
