High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a rather common health issue. Despite this, many people dealing with elevated blood pressure do not know what is actually at the root of the issue. While lifestyle and genetics often play significant roles, several other underlying factors can contribute to this condition. This article will explore some of these root causes of high blood pressure and offer insights into how functional medicine at Entelechy Life can help uncover and address them.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Before we explore root causes of high blood pressure, let’s define the condition. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against artery walls as the heart pumps it throughout the body. When this force remains consistently high, the heart, arteries, and other organs can become strained. Strain increases the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. That’s why it’s important to treat high blood pressure.
Indicators of High Blood Pressure
- Consistent, elevated blood pressure readings. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The systolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure indicates the force of blood when the heart is at rest between beats. Both measures are important markers of heart health. A blood pressure measurement places the diastolic number over the systolic number, for example, 120/80 mmHg.
A systolic pressure over 180 or a diastolic number above 80 indicates elevated blood pressure.
- Symptoms. You likely will notice physical symptoms of high blood pressure. They include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or chest pain, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
If you or your provider has noted these indicators, understanding the root cause of your high blood pressure can help you better manage your blood pressure and prevent worsening symptoms. Additionally, addressing root causes of high blood pressure may eliminate your symptoms entirely.
Root Causes of High Blood Pressure
Several factors may contribute to elevated blood pressure. Here’s a look at some common root causes of high blood pressure and how each might be addressed.
- Genetics and Family History
Genetics often play a role in high blood pressure. If hypertension runs in your family, you might be at higher risk. Genetic predispositions can affect how your body regulates blood pressure and responds to environmental factors. While it’s not possible to delete your family history, adjustments in other areas can mitigate your risk of high blood pressure.
- Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies
Your diet, specifically high sodium and low potassium intake, significantly impacts blood pressure levels. These factors can lead to fluid retention, which puts more pressure on blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Processed foods and fast foods are major culprits. They’re typically high in sodium, which can drive up blood pressure. Low intake of potassium found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also impact heart health and blood pressure levels.
Luckily, these are adjustable factors. Reducing your salt intake, adding potassium-rich foods (take a look at this list for some ideas), and focusing on a balanced diet can help address this root cause of high blood pressure.
- Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of physical activity is a well-known risk factor for high blood pressure. When you don’t move regularly, blood flow is restricted, and the heart has to work harder to pump blood, increasing pressure on artery walls. Regular exercise strengthens the heart, making it more efficient at circulating blood and naturally lowering blood pressure. You and your provider may want to discuss establishing some physical activity goals to get your heart pumping!
- Stress and Mental Health
Stress is a less visible but powerful contributor to high blood pressure. When you experience stress, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which cause temporary blood pressure spikes. Chronic stress may lead to sustained high blood pressure, especially if accompanied by negative coping habits, such as overeating or consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol. Functional medicine affords special attention to the mind-body axis.
Some effective stress management techniques include the following:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Physical activities such as yoga or walking
- Hormonal Imbalances
Certain hormone imbalances can lead to high blood pressure. We just saw how cortisol (the “stress hormone”) can elevate blood pressure. Similarly, issues with thyroid or adrenal gland function can impact blood pressure regulation. Identifying and managing hormonal imbalances can provide insight into the root cause of high blood pressure.
- Poor Sleep Patterns
Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can lead to high blood pressure. During sleep, blood pressure naturally drops. When you don’t get enough sleep, this natural cycle is disrupted, leading to consistently elevated levels. Conditions such as sleep apnea, which cause brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, can also increase the risk of hypertension.
Improving your sleep routine can lower your blood pressure levels. Some tips include sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine, and creating a calming bedtime routine.
- Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Overweight and obesity place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Excess weight also increases the likelihood of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions (including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels) that raise the risk of heart disease. Your health provider may work with you to establish a plan for healthy weight loss to naturally lower your blood pressure levels.
- Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to high blood pressure as well. Inflammation can damage blood vessels over time, making them less elastic and more prone to pressure spikes. Inflammatory triggers might include a poor diet, unmanaged stress, toxins, or autoimmune conditions. Addressing inflammation is crucial when looking at the root cause of high blood pressure, as it plays a role in cardiovascular health.
- Toxin Exposure
Exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants can negatively impact blood pressure. These toxins can interfere with heart and blood vessel function, increasing blood pressure risk. Regular detoxification strategies, such as avoiding processed foods and incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, may support blood pressure management.
Functional Medicine Addresses the Root Cause of High Blood Pressure
If you’re struggling with high blood pressure, functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to discovering and addressing the root causes. At Entelechy Life, we look at your unique health profile to identify specific triggers and establish a personalized health plan for sustained, improved wellness.
Sample Functional Medicines to Lower Blood Pressure
- Personalized diet and nutrition plans focusing on nutrient-rich, low-sodium foods
- Exercise recommendations that are enjoyable and sustainable and that lower blood pressure
- Stress management techniques to reduce cortisol levels and overall stress
- Detoxification to reduce the impact of environmental toxins on blood pressure
When to Seek Help for High Blood Pressure
If you notice high blood pressure symptoms and want to know root causes, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider. Ignoring hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke.
As Dr. Mead says, “It never hurts to have a health provider check on an issue you are concerned about.”
Learn More about Your High Blood Pressure at Entelechy Life
Our functional medicine approach allows us to focus on the root cause of high blood pressure. If you want to learn more about your specific root causes, schedule an appointment with us today!