Omni Primary & Urgent Care provides comprehensive management for high blood pressure to help maintain optimal health. Located at 20 Watkins Park Dr, Upper Marlboro, Kettering, Maryland 20774, our clinic offers expert care and treatment plans for high blood pressure. Schedule your visit by visiting our website or calling us at 301 350 8500.
Several factors can cause blood pressure to rise, either temporarily or persistently. Here are some common causes:
1. Lifestyle Factors:
- Diet: High salt (sodium) intake can lead to water retention, increasing blood pressure. Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol can also contribute to hypertension.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and contribute to higher blood pressure. Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can raise blood pressure. Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to a temporary increase in blood pressure.
2. Medical Conditions:
- Kidney Disease: The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Kidney problems can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.
- Sleep Apnea: This condition, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can lead to higher blood pressure due to the stress and reduced oxygen levels it causes.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, making them less flexible and increasing blood pressure.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or hyperaldosteronism can cause the adrenal glands to release excess hormones, leading to increased blood pressure.
3. Genetics and Age:
- Family History: If hypertension runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it.
- Aging: Blood pressure tends to increase with age as arteries become stiffer and less elastic, causing the heart to work harder.
4. Stress:
- Emotional Stress: Chronic stress can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. Over time, stress-related habits like poor diet and lack of exercise can contribute to long-term hypertension.
5. Medications:
- Certain Drugs: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, and birth control pills, can cause blood pressure to rise.
6. Hormonal Changes:
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can lead to gestational hypertension, especially in the later stages.
- Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to an increase in blood pressure.
7. Obesity:
- Excess body weight requires more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to tissues, leading to increased blood pressure due to the higher volume of blood being pumped by the heart.
Managing these factors through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or a combination of both can help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications.
Call us today 301 350 8500 or make an appointment online now.