More than 100 million Americans are living with high blood pressure, which is why it is so important that we tackle the risk factors that can increase our chances of high blood pressure, including stress.

During National High Blood Pressure Education Month this May, our team at AFC Urgent Care North Carolina wants to share how stress can affect your blood pressure and what you can do to better manage your stress.

How Does Stress Affect Your Blood Pressure?

We all will deal with stress at one point or another. Life is full of stress, but it is how we react to the stress of life that matters the most, especially since stress can lead to high blood pressure, which can, then, increase your risk of heart disease and stroke in the future.

When your body is stressed, it starts to produce hormones like cortisol that can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood vessels to narrow. As a result, you can begin to experience high blood pressure.

Other Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

• Being of advanced age
• Smoking
• Consuming too much sodium
• Being overweight or obese
• Consuming too much alcohol

What Are Some Ways You Can Better Manage Your Stress?

Many times we are under stress because we are trying to control things we cannot control. Therefore, one of the biggest things to lower your stress level is to accept the things you cannot control in life.

Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can also help you manage stress effectively, so get plenty of quality sleep, don’t smoke, limit your alcohol consumption, eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Finding hobbies and other activities you enjoy can also help.

Great Stress-Busting Workouts

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Walking
• Gardening
• Dancing
• Circuit training
• Pilates

Are you in need of medical care? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with one of our AFC Urgent Care North Carolina locations today. Get the care you need in the comfort of home.