You are very well aware of high blood pressure and its possible effects on the human body. However, the majority of people are still not aware of the root causes and, the relationship between high blood pressure and breathing. Read on to know more-
Root causes of high blood pressure
Chronic stress:
Stress is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure among adults. Chronic stress affects blood pressure to a great extent.
High cholesterol:
More than half of the people with high cholesterol have high blood pressure. The reason for this is unhealthy fats deposited on the arteries causing a difficult inflow of blood.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption:
Cigarettes contain tobacco, which reduces the oxygen content in the blood and narrows the blood vessels. This makes the heart beat faster and raises blood pressure. Excessive consumption of alcohol will not only lead to high BP but also strokes and other heart diseases.
Heredity:
People with a family history of high blood pressure have a high chance of suffering from high blood pressure.
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Understanding the connection between high blood pressure and breathing
When a person is suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension there is a high force in the movement of blood moving against the walls of blood vessels. This leads to pressure on the right side of the heart and makes it difficult for the heart to carry the blood to the lungs.
Due to this, the blood does not move to the left side of the heart and the body. During this process, high blood pressure leads to the thickening of the heart muscles. This hardly leaves any space for the oxygen-rich blood to move ahead from the lungs to the chamber, which pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body causing shortness of breath.
The main reason for shortened breath or difficulty in breathing is that the heart walls get stiff and thick during high blood pressure.
To solve breathing issues during high BP, first, you need to know the reasons for high BP and work on avoiding things that lead to high BP.
Ways to manage breathing issues during high blood pressure
Deep breathing
Deep breathing gradually lowers blood pressure and helps to normalize rapid or shortened breathing. Just sit straight or lie down at a quiet and comfortable place and take deep breaths for 5-10 minutes.
Exhale and inhale like a pro
Set a timer on your phone and try to exhale and inhale for 5 seconds each. You must try to reach 10 or fewer breaths per minute to maintain a healthy heart rate and normal breathing.
Practice diaphragmatic breathing
For effective breathing exercises, make use of the diaphragm to practice deep breathing. Breathe in through your nose, breathe out through your mouth, and feel the actions of your stomach and abdomen during this process. Practice it for 15 minutes daily.
Lifestyle changes you need to make to avoid high blood pressure
Essentially, high blood pressure may have no specific cause but to manage secondary high blood pressure, you need to make certain positive lifestyle changes. The first thing you need to do is have a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, and reduce the intake of sodium. Manage your stress and practice yoga or any other physical exercise daily.
Reference:
https://www.sharecare.com/health/high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-cause-shortness-of-breath
https://www.meUnderstanding the connection between high blood pressure and breathingealthnews.com/daily/heart-health/just-breathe-how-to-use-breathing-exercises-to-lower-blood-pressure/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
