Revealed: Non-obvious causes of high blood pressure

Hidden causes of hypertension can include sleep apnea, excess sugar in the diet, overuse of painkillers, and loneliness. This was explained to Today publication by therapist Akshay Sayal.

The expert noted that the obvious "provocateurs" of high blood pressure include excess weight, smoking, consumption of alcohol and salty food, stress, and chronic sleep deprivation. However, other factors of hypertension, such as apnea, remain overlooked.

"If a person snores during sleep, the oxygen level in the blood drops, causing the heart to work a bit harder to deliver oxygen to internal organs. Due to the increasing load on the myocardium, pressure may rise," the doctor explained.

Dr. Sayal identified another non-obvious cause of high blood pressure as excess sugar in the diet. The fact is that sweet products and drinks often contain many carbohydrates that retain fluid in the body. This increases the volume of circulating blood and the load on blood vessels. It is known that poor condition of blood vessels also often "goes hand in hand" with diabetes.

Another hidden factor of hypertension is the use of painkillers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen). They can also contribute to water retention in the body.

The specialist reminded that the likelihood of developing hypertension increases in those who experience loneliness. This happens due to the connection between social isolation and stress - an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.