High blood pressure causes: One thing you didn’t know could be raising your reading

High blood pressure means your heart is working extra hard to supply blood around the body. Beware – the muscle may get exhausted and give up. What’s the one thing that could contribute to high blood pressure?

The NHS confirmed that high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher.

The first number (systolic pressure) represents the amount of pressure in the arteries while the heart contracts.

The second number (diastolic pressure) represents the blood pressure when the heart relaxes.

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It’s important to know your blood pressure reading as the condition doesn’t show noticeable symptoms.

And the one thing that can raise your blood pressure reading is long-term sleep deprivation.

The lack of an adequate amount of shuteye per night not only contributes to high blood pressure, it can have an overall negative effect on your life.

Regularly feeling unrested can result in a bad mood and lack of focus.

Moreover, the NHS certifies that poor sleep puts a person at risk of developing obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

And not getting enough rest can shorten your life expectancy.

The NHS states: “Most of us need around eight hours of good-quality sleep a night to function properly.

“But some need more and some less. What matters is that you find out how much sleep you need and then try to achieve it.”

What’s the defining feeling that you’re not getting enough sleep?

The NHS respond: “If you wake up tired and spend the day longing for a chance to have a nap, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough sleep.”

Other factors that increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure include increasing age, lack of exercise and being overweight.

Additionally, smoking, regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol and a high-salt diet contribute to high blood pressure.

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Although the condition has a genetic link too, it’s best to avoid risk factors to help prevent high blood pressure from occurring.

This is to lower the chances of developing other health conditions because of it.

Such health complications include kidney disease, vascular dementia and heart failure – just to name a few.

Other life-threatening conditions can arise, including a stroke, heart attack and aortic aneurysms.

Blood pressure readings can be taken at the GP surgery and some pharmacies.

Do ask for your blood pressure reading to be shared with you, as time-strapped practitioners may just check you’re not at high risk at the moment.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your blood pressure, and to be aware if you’re nearing the warning mark.

Blood testing kits can also be ordered online, so readings can be taken at home.

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