Top cardiac doctor shares 8 common things that cause ‘silent killer’ high blood pressure

Around one in three adults in the UK are thought to have high blood pressure and as many as five million are thought to be undiagnosed. For those trying to bring their blood pressure under control, diet and exercise are often the first lifestyle factors that must be addressed. However, a top cardiologist has revealed there are several other overlooked factors that can have a meaningful impact on measurements.

Dr Oliver Segal, a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at HCA Healthcare UK The Harley Street Clinic, said high blood pressure is often “called a ‘silent killer’ because people can live with uncontrolled hypertension for many years without warning signs, only to present with a major cardiovascular event”. He added: “The damage accumulates gradually and painlessly, which is why early identification and sustained control are so important.”

Here are eight factors other than diet and exercise that can contribute to high blood pressure.

Chronic stress

High stress levels can force the body to operate in a strained physiological state for weeks or even months, with wide-ranging health effects.

Dr Segal said: “Persistent stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases circulating stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can contribute to sustained hypertension.”

The constant release of adrenaline and cortisol can cause blood vessels to constrict and the heart to beat faster. Studies have also linked chronic stress to inflammation in heart cells and the accelerated build up of plaque in artery walls.

Sleep quality and duration

Sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental health, allowing time for repairing the brain, consolidating memories and regulating bodily functions.

Chronic lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of conditions including dementia, heart and circulatory disease, obesity and diabetes.
Dr Segal said: “Sleeping fewer than six hours per night is associated with higher blood pressure.

“Obstructive sleep apnoea, in particular, causes repeated oxygen drops overnight, triggering surges in blood pressure and increasing cardiovascular risk.”

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Caffeine sensitivity

Caffeine can boost alertness and mood, but can cause adverse effects in some people who are sensitive to it.

Dr Segal said: “Some individuals experience temporary spikes in blood pressure after caffeine consumption. Monitoring response can be helpful in susceptible people.”

Symptoms of caffeine sensitivity include feeling jittery, heart palpitations, severe insomnia, anxiety and digestive problems.

Smoking and nicotine exposure

The chemicals in cigarettes can make the walls of your arteries sticky, increasing the build up of fatty material.

Clogged arteries that restrict blood flow can cause heart attacks and strokes. Dr Segal said: “Nicotine causes acute narrowing of blood vessels and long-term damage to arterial walls, compounding cardiovascular risk.”

Hormonal changes

Women sometimes see their blood pressure rise after the menopause, a trend thought to be caused by changes in the hormone levels, including falling oestrogen.

These changes may lead to blood vessels becoming stiffer and levels of flat in the blood increasing. Dr Segal said: “Thyroid disorders, menopause and conditions affecting adrenal hormone production can all influence blood pressure regulation.”

Certain medications

Many common medications can raise blood pressure, an effect known as “drug-induced hypertension”.

Dr Segal said: “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some decongestants, oral contraceptives and certain antidepressants can contribute to elevated readings.”

Common drugs that can have this effect include ibuprofen, birth control pills and corticosteroids.

Shift work and circadian disruption

Dr Segal said: “Irregular sleep-wake cycles and night shifts are associated with impaired blood pressure control and increased cardiovascular risk.”

Many studies of shift workers have found they are more likely to have high blood pressure, and linked this effect to disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm. This natural body clock regulates blood pressure, lowering it during sleep.

Research suggests that getting enough sleep, using blackout curtains and earplugs can help to offset the effects of shift work.

Social isolation and mental health

Studies have shown that older people who are socially isolated are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Dr Segal said: “Loneliness, chronic anxiety and untreated depression are increasingly recognised as contributors to cardiovascular risk through behavioural and physiological pathways.”

Loneliness is thought to act as a stressor and increased risk of other linked health problems such as obesity and weakened immune systems.