Are Those Morning Trivial Matters Actually Contributing to High Blood Pressure? Be Wary of These Habits and Protect Your Health
Are Those Morning Trivial Matters Actually Contributing to High Blood Pressure? Be Wary of These Habits and Protect Your HealthHave you ever wondered why your blood pressure remains high even though you're paying close attention to your diet? Or maybe you've felt dizzy and lightheaded upon waking up, despite a good night's sleep, and the numbers on your blood pressure monitor make you nervous? You might not know this, but high blood pressure, that "silent killer," can sometimes be linked to our morning routines!Don't shake your head too quickly; this isn't pseudoscience or some quack's ramblings. There is real medical evidence to support this
Are Those Morning Trivial Matters Actually Contributing to High Blood Pressure? Be Wary of These Habits and Protect Your Health
Have you ever wondered why your blood pressure remains high even though you're paying close attention to your diet? Or maybe you've felt dizzy and lightheaded upon waking up, despite a good night's sleep, and the numbers on your blood pressure monitor make you nervous? You might not know this, but high blood pressure, that "silent killer," can sometimes be linked to our morning routines!
Don't shake your head too quickly; this isn't pseudoscience or some quack's ramblings. There is real medical evidence to support this. Let's discuss this topic and see how those everyday "trivial matters" you do each morning can quietly impact your blood pressure.
I. The First Thing in the Morning: Abruptly Getting Out of Bed
Do you often jump out of bed the second your alarm goes off, ready to start the day? If you have high blood pressure, this is a habit you need to change! Suddenly sitting up in bed or rapidly standing up is like a small earthquake for someone with high blood pressure.
During sleep, your body is in a relatively "dormant" state, and your blood pressure and heart rate decrease. When you abruptly change positions, gravity pulls blood rapidly down to your lower body, leading to a sudden reduction in blood supply to your upper body, particularly the brain. This can cause a sudden fluctuation in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, blurred vision, or even fainting. This condition is known as "orthostatic hypotension" and is common in people with high blood pressure.
- This isn't just me making things up. Research has shown that mornings are a high-risk period for cardiovascular events, and a significant factor is the way we get out of bed. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates that the risk of cardiovascular events increases within a few hours of waking up, potentially linked to blood pressure fluctuations during this time. According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, orthostatic hypotension is particularly prevalent in older adults with high blood pressure, leading to potential complications like fainting, falls, and fractures.
People with high blood pressure, remember to allow your body some time to adjust. Sit up slowly, stretch, and let your body adapt. This will help keep your blood pressure stable.
Besides abruptly getting out of bed, other similar movements should be avoided, such as suddenly standing up to answer a phone call or bending over to tie your shoes. These actions can cause sudden blood pressure fluctuations, which is dangerous for individuals with high blood pressure. In daily life, strive for slow and steady movements, giving your body ample time to adjust. After waking up, sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing up to get dressed; when answering the phone, sit down first before picking up the phone; when tying your shoes, squat down gradually, and then slowly get back up.
II. The Second Thing in the Morning: Exercising on an Empty Stomach
Many people have a morning exercise routine, believing that exercising on an empty stomach burns fat more effectively and enhances alertness. However, for individuals with high blood pressure, this may not always be a good idea.
Exercising on an empty stomach means your body hasn't replenished its energy stores. To meet the demands of exercise, your body will release more adrenaline and other hormones to mobilize energy. This hormone release often leads to increased blood pressure and a faster heart rate, which is detrimental for those already struggling with high blood pressure.
- Worse yet, if you engage in high-intensity exercise, you might experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness, palpitations, and sweating, and in severe cases, can lead to unconsciousness or cardiovascular events. A study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that high-intensity exercise on an empty stomach can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Individuals with high blood pressure, remember to eat something before your morning workout, even if it's just a glass of milk or a slice of whole-wheat bread. Don't let your body "battle on an empty stomach."
When is the most suitable time for morning exercise? Generally, it's recommended to exercise 1-2 hours after breakfast. At this point, your body has already replenished its energy stores, and your blood pressure is relatively stable, making it a better time for exercise. Adjust your exercise intensity and duration based on your physical condition. Choose moderate-intensity aerobic activities like brisk walking, jogging, or Tai Chi, and avoid overly strenuous exercise types.
III. The Third Thing in the Morning: Rushing to the Bathroom
Ha, you might find this amusing or even ironic. Can going to the bathroom be linked to blood pressure? Yes, it really can! Many people experience this in the morning, especially when needing to urinate. A sudden urge hits, and you rush to the bathroom, but when you strain, your head suddenly starts to spin. This actually has a connection to blood pressure.
When we rush to the bathroom, especially when straining to urinate, the pressure within the abdominal cavity increases abruptly. This pressure change affects blood pressure through a complex series of physiological mechanisms. In simple terms, excessive straining can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, putting additional stress on blood vessels. For individuals with high blood pressure, this sudden pressure change can trigger discomfort like dizziness, headaches, and could even trigger cardiovascular events.
- A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association points out that straining during urination can lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Individuals with high blood pressure, don't rush to the bathroom in the morning. Take your time and let your body adapt. Older individuals, especially, should consider placing a handrail or small stool in the bathroom for support, making it safer to use the bathroom.
Other things to be mindful of besides rushing to the bathroom are:
- When showering in the morning, keep the water temperature moderate and limit the duration of the shower. Hot water and prolonged showers can cause blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure and leading to dizziness, palpitations, etc. Control the water temperature and shower duration to avoid these issues.
By now, you might have realized that those seemingly trivial morning habits can significantly impact blood pressure. Indeed, life is made up of these details, and health often lies within them.
Besides the three morning habits mentioned above, various other lifestyle factors can also influence blood pressure. These include a high-salt diet, lack of exercise, chronic sleep deprivation, and significant emotional fluctuations. These are all "accomplices" in high blood pressure.
To maintain stable blood pressure, cultivate good habits in your everyday life. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, adjusting lifestyle alone may not suffice. You must adhere to medication schedules, undergo regular checkups, and follow your doctor's instructions. By doing so, you can better manage your blood pressure and avoid cardiovascular events.
Regarding medication, strictly follow your doctor's instructions and avoid altering dosages or switching medications on your own. Regularly monitor your blood pressure levels to detect and address any fluctuations promptly.
Health isn't everything, but without it, nothing really matters. Whether you have high blood pressure or not, cherish your body and make a conscious effort to improve your health, starting with every little morning habit.
A healthy lifestyle isn't about fleeting bursts of enthusiasm but rather a commitment to long-term habits. Only then can we truly escape the clutches of high blood pressure and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. Life is composed of these seemingly small things, and within these small details lies the treasure of our health.
The information provided above is for general knowledge and guidance. If you experience any health concerns, consult a medical professional.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])