16 surprising things that can elevate blood pressure

This video is meant to expand your general knowledge about living a healthy life and is NOT a substitute for seeking medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making changes in your health practices, diet and self-care.

In this video, physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck discuss 16 lesser-known causes of high blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It has two numbers:

1. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
2. The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats

It is important to realise that you can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms, while at risk of developing serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, hypertension can be easily detected and controlled, or even reversed, with medical intervention and lifestyle change.

Learn more about high blood pressure here.

View the original video here.

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