As the heart pumps blood throughout the body's network of blood vessels, delivering oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues, it creates a measurable pressure within the blood vessels. This pressure is greatest as the heart beats, a measurement called systolic pressure. As the heart relaxes and fills with blood, the pressure measured is called diastolic pressure. Doctors always report blood pressure as a combination of these two numbers in fraction form, with systolic pressure on top. According to the Mayo Clinic, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of serious health conditions. There are several factors that can change blood pressure.
Smoking
According to the University of Illinois, smoking is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a cause of damage to blood vessels throughout the body. Cigarette smoke damages the delicate lining of blood vessels and causes them to harden and develop a fatty buildup called plaque, a process called atherosclerosis. When blood vessels become hardened or narrowed, the heart must work harder to push blood through them, and blood pressure is increased. Atherosclerosis and high blood pressure are a deadly combination that greatly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Drugs
Illicit drugs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, supplements and alcohol are substances that can alter blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, steroids, cold medications, some antidepressants, oral contraceptives and diet pills all have the potential to raise blood pressure. In addition, illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, can cause high blood pressure. The AHA also reports that drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers and other medications can lower blood pressure.
Diet and Exercise
Blood pressure is directly related to how healthy the heart and blood vessels are. According to the University of Illinois, regular cardiovascular exercise, such as walking and swimming or cycling, may help decrease blood pressure. A healthy diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat can also be helpful in reducing blood pressure. High levels of cholesterol or saturated fat are contributors to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease and can lead to high blood pressure. Being obese is also a factor in the development of high blood pressure. Compared to someone of normal weight, an obese individual requires many more blood vessels to feed the tissues. The increase in vessels forces the heart to work much harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body.
Pregnancy
Many women who have never had an issue with high blood pressure can develop the condition when they become pregnant, especially in the last three months before delivery, according to the American Heart Association. Doctors must monitor high blood pressure during pregnancy closely, as it can be dangerous to both the mother and the baby.
