High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common risk factor for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and requires careful management to prevent serious health complications. While not everyone with high blood pressure needs medication, lifestyle changes can often help maintain healthy levels. However, if left untreated, high blood pressure can escalate into an uncontrolled condition. Several factors can contribute to this, including some that might go unnoticed.

Factors That May Be Preventing Your Blood Pressure From Going Down

It is alarming that many people who suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure aren't aware of their condition. Uncontrolled blood pressure is when a person's blood pressure is above 140/90 mm Hg and they are not taking treatment or the treatment is not working.

A recent study published in JAMA Network found that 83.7% of United States adults with high blood pressure have uncontrolled hypertension, amounting to an estimated 100.4 million individuals. Alarmingly, over half of these individuals (57.8 million) are unaware of their condition. Younger adults, especially those aged 18-44 years, show particularly high rates of unawareness, with nearly 70% of those with uncontrolled hypertension in this age group unaware of their status. Even among those receiving treatment, 70.8% still have uncontrolled blood pressure.

These findings highlight the urgent need to improve awareness, diagnosis, and effective treatment to reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure.

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anoop Agrawal, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, says, "Uncontrolled blood pressure often results from lifestyle factors such as poor dietary habits, excessive salt intake, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Obesity, especially abdominal weight, significantly increases strain on the heart and blood vessels, making it harder to manage blood pressure."

"Another common issue is medication non-adherence, where patients may skip doses, take medications irregularly, or stop them without medical guidance. Additionally, some individuals may require adjustments in dosage or a combination of medications to achieve optimal blood pressure control," he adds

Stress Contributing To Elevated Blood Pressure?

Stress could be one of the factors increasing your blood pressure levels.

Dr Agrawal explains, "Prolonged stress increases levels of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to sustained hypertension. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression further complicate blood pressure management by affecting physiological processes and treatment adherence. Poor coping mechanisms, such as overeating, alcohol consumption, or neglecting self-care, can exacerbate the problem, making stress and mental health crucial factors in blood pressure regulation."

Hidden Conditions That May Be Influencing Blood Pressure Levels

Certain underlying health conditions, often referred to as secondary hypertension, can make blood pressure harder to control. These include kidney disease, hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid disorders or adrenal issues), and sleep apnoea, according to Dr Agrawal.

In some cases, undiagnosed conditions like diabetes or arterial stiffness can also interfere with effective blood pressure management, highlighting the need for thorough medical evaluation.

Role Of Lifestyle In Blood Pressure Management

Diet plays a crucial role in managing blood pressure. From your food choices to the amount of salt you consume can influence your blood pressure levels.

According to Medline Plus, a person should limit sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day. Dr Agrawal says, "High sodium intake is directly linked to increased blood pressure, while diets lacking in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can make regulation more difficult."

Additionally, reducing saturated fat to no more than 6% of daily calories and total fat to 27% of daily calories is also crucial, as per Medline Plus.

It is also crucial to reduce processed and sugary food intake, which contribute to vascular problems and weight gain, further complicating management efforts, highlights Dr Agrawal, adding that a balanced, heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly improve blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/why-blood-pressure-levels-are-not-going-down-12977820575