Factors that Affect Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Many factors affect blood pressure, causing it to change from day to day and throughout the day. We are unable to control some of these factors – being African-American, over the age of 35, family history of high blood pressure, or having diabetes, gout or kidney disease, but the good news is that there are some that we can change!

EXERCISE
Regular exercise, along with an active lifestyle, may decrease blood pressure. To significantly reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, it is recommended that adults participate in 150 minutes a week of cardiovascular exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming. Increasing daily activity by walking to and from class and work (rather than taking the bus) and walking up and down stairs (versus riding the elevators), will also contribute to an active, healthy lifestyle.

Make an appointment with the McKinley Fitness Specialist at SportWell Center if you have questions about blood pressure and exercise.

NUTRITION
Research has shown that diet affects the development of high blood pressure (hypertension). The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is recommended if your blood pressure is high or if you are at risk for high blood pressure. DASH is a combination diet that is low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables. It is low in cholesterol and saturated fat, high in dietary fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium and moderately high in protein.

DASH includes more than eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables that are particularly high in potassium and magnesium are recommended - including tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, green peas, squash, broccoli, greens, artichokes, green and lima beans, sweet potatoes, apricots, bananas, dates, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, melons, peaches, pineapples, prunes, raisins, strawberries, and tangerines. Two to three servings of low fat dairy products per day contribute calcium and protein to DASH. Whole grains from cereals, breads and crackers contribute fiber and energy. Lean meat, poultry and fish (less than six ounces per day) provide more potassium and protein. To boost potassium, fiber, protein and energy intake even more, DASH recommends nuts, seeds or cooked dried beans 4-5 times per week.

Healthy weight management and appropriate intake of salt (sodium) are both very important in blood pressure control. Try to limit the amount of processed and fast food you eat and take the salt shaker off the table - don't add salt to food after it is cooked. DASH helps you to eat a healthful diet that can also help manage weight.

Make an appointment with the McKinley Registered Dietitian if you have questions about blood pressure and diet.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a drug, and regular over-consumption can raise blood pressure dramatically, as well as cause an elevation upon withdrawal. Try to limit alcohol to twice a week and drink only 1-2 servings (equivalent to two four-ounce glasses of wine, two eight-ounce glasses of beer or two shots of spirits). Also, remember that alcohol intake can be a factor in weight gain.

STRESS
The effects of stress can vary, but long-term, chronic stress appears to raise blood pressure. Various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive relaxation, massage and psychological therapy can help to manage stress and help to lower stress-induced blood pressure elevations.

SMOKING
Smoking is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the legs and arms), as well as hardening of the arteries. These conditions clearly can lead to heart disease and stroke and are contributing factors in high blood pressure. Don't start smoking and if you do smoke, seek assistance with quitting.

For more information about high blood pressure, contact your health care provider or obtain information from the McKinley Health Resource Centers located at:

• McKinley Health Center Main Lobby – Information/HRC counter 333-6000
• Illini Union OASIS, Room 40 (lower level) 244-5994

Additional McKinley Handouts

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• What Does Blood Pressure Mean?
• Tips for Healthy Living
• Heart Healthy Eating
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Reducing the Sodium in Your Diet

References
American Academy of Family Physicians Web site, search for blood pressure factors, hypertension factors
American Heart Association Web site, search for blood pressure factors, hypertension factors
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Web site, search for blood pressure factors, hypertension factors
Mayo Clinic Web site

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