Eating less salt may not keep BP down: stress, poor sleep, caffeine and inactivity also raise risk

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become a common health problem. Eating too much salt is considered a major cause, so patients are advised to cut down on salt. Many people reduce the salt in their food but pay no attention to their other habits.

Several everyday habits can affect blood pressure. Lack of sleep, constant stress, sitting through the day, too much caffeine and alcohol can all raise the risk of high BP, and can make it hard to keep BP under control. In some cases, certain medicines, obesity and sleep-related problems may also be linked to high BP.

The first cause is constant stress. In today's hectic life, work pressure, money worries and household responsibilities can add to stress. When a person is under stress, certain hormones are released in the body. These can quicken the heartbeat and narrow the blood vessels, which can raise BP for a time. Some people eat more, smoke or drink when stressed, which can worsen the problem.

The second cause is not getting enough sleep. Staying up late at night or sleeping too little every day can affect health. Good sleep is necessary to rest the body and keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Continued lack of sleep can raise the risk of high BP. Frequent snoring, breathlessness or heavy sleepiness during the day can be symptoms of sleep apnoea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep. It too is linked to high BP.

The third cause is too much tea, coffee and energy drinks. Tea and coffee are part of many people's daily lives, but the caffeine in them can raise BP in some people. The effect depends on how much a person has taken. Energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages can also cause this problem. People who already have high BP are advised to limit caffeine.

The fourth cause is sitting all day and not exercising. If most of your time is spent on an office chair, a sofa or in front of a mobile phone, lack of physical activity can affect heart health. Not exercising regularly can also raise the risk of weight gain and high BP. Physical activity helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Going to a gym is not necessary. Walking, cycling, swimming or doing household chores can also help.

The fifth cause is alcohol and tobacco. Heavy drinking can raise BP. Tobacco and nicotine can also harm the blood vessels and the heart. The smoke of cigarettes and bidis can raise BP for a time and can also damage blood vessels.