A lot of factors contribute to high blood pressure, none more so than stress.

In stressful situations, our blood pressure shoots up temporarily. Though these temporary spikes in blood pressure are not dangerous, prolonged stress can lead to the condition of high blood pressure, which doctors warn is a potential hazardous health condition.

Stress is a result of the body’s instinctive fight-or-flight response to certain situations. The fight-or-flight response is our body’s innate response to life threatening situations. Although we don’t face situations that classify as ‘life-and-death’ situations every day, our body reacts the same way to modern-life stressors.

Stress leads to the production of hormones that assist the body in preparing for the flight-or-fight moments. Although researchers are yet to establish a direct connection between extended stress and the condition of high blood pressure, it is accepted that the hormones produced under stressful situations may cause harm to the arteries–the carriers of blood in human body.

Another thing that needs to be understood is that extended stress can lead to certain harmful behavioral patterns, such as overeating, lack of sleep, and depression, all of which over a period of time can cause more than normal blood pressure.

By making positive changes in the lifestyle, we can often effectively control the condition of more than normal blood pressure. For instance, regular exercise helps immensely in controlling high blood pressure. Regular exercise facilitates production of HDL, or good cholesterol. HDL, in turn, assists our body in the process of flushing out the excess LDL, or bad cholesterol, which is the biggest contributor to high blood pressure.

Also, when we exercise our body produces positive chemicals and hormones. For instance, when we exercise regularly, endorphins are produced in the brain, which in turn produces the feeling of well-being and euphoria. Also, when we exercise, we naturally begin to take more care of our body and become conscious of what we eat.

Through regular exercise and balanced diet you can often effectively control high blood pressure. Learn more on how to naturally lower blood pressure and make positive changes in your lifestyle to lead a healthy life.

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