What can cause high blood pressure? The first culprits that come to mind are probably excessive salt intake, prolonged stress and alcohol abuse. Indeed, these may lead to high blood pressure, but there are some less common causes that can also cause high blood pressure, so let me give you an inventory of those modern life factors that cause high blood pressure! The AHA (American Heart Association) recommends that people with high blood pressure should be cautious about these two activities. If your doctor has warned you to avoid moderate exercise, you should also be cautious about taking hot baths and saunas, especially the latter. 2. Medications Certain medications have the risk of raising blood pressure. According to some studies, subjects who take the drug daily are more likely to progress to hypertension compared to those who do not take acetaminophen. In addition, certain analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs also raise blood pressure, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Patients should always monitor their blood pressure levels if they are taking antidepressants, as studies have shown that venlafaxine, amphetamines and desipramine can raise blood pressure. Even certain herbs such as ginseng, licorice and ephedra may raise blood pressure. There are also some decongestants and inhalers that may raise blood pressure. Therefore, patients with hypertension should consult a medical professional to determine which drugs can be taken. A recent study published in the journal Hypertension showed that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which is found in cans and plastic bottles, can leach into food and beverages and raise blood pressure. While previous studies have also linked long-term BPA exposure to heart disease and high blood pressure, the above study is the first to demonstrate a direct relationship between BPA and blood pressure. Therefore, experts recommend that BPA-free products such as glassware, porcelain or stainless steel should be used as much as possible, especially when serving hot food. Also should avoid the use of microwave heating containers containing Bisphenol A. 4, sugar A recent study showed that eating too much sugar is more damaging to the heart than salt. Recent studies have focused on reducing the intake of added sugars, especially fructose, which is often added to processed foods and beverages. The American Heart Association recommends that women should not consume more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) of added sugar per day and men should not exceed 9 teaspoons (150 calories). Just 16 ounces of soda contains more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar! Therefore, reducing your intake of processed foods and beverages is a good start to staying away from high blood pressure. 5. Sleep apnea When breathing is interrupted, the oxygen in the body is reduced. The brain sends signals to increase the flow of oxygen supplied to the heart and brain, thus constricting blood vessels. Frequent reductions in blood oxygen, accompanied by reduced sleep quality, can both cause the release of stress hormones, which in turn increases the risk of heart rate and high blood pressure. To avoid this risk, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, surgery and breathing apparatus can successfully treat sleep apnea. 6, loneliness Spending some time with friends is associated with increased health and well-being, while loneliness and isolation not only have a negative impact on a person’s self-confidence and well-being, but are also detrimental to blood pressure. A recent study also confirmed for the first time that there is a direct relationship between loneliness and high blood pressure in people aged 50 and older. Psychologists say that time should be set aside to spend with friends, but it should also be recognized that not all friendships last forever and that it is important to cultivate new ones. 7, thyroid disease It has been shown that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have the potential to raise blood pressure. Although so many factors can lead to high blood pressure, but it does not mean that we can not do anything about the causes of high blood pressure, in general, weight loss, exercise and healthy diet, stay optimistic and other lifestyle can keep us away from high blood pressure.