6 Surprising Culprits of Hypertension

High blood pressure has become an epidemic in the USA. Uncontrolled, it may lead to heart disease and stroke, two of the top causes of death in the country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about half of the adult population (48.1%) struggles with hypertension. Unfortunately, only about 22.5% of them have their condition under control.

Even though it’s a pretty common health issue, have you ever thought about its causes? If so, what came to mind? Stress, poor diet, too much salt or alcohol, maybe your family history? If any of these crossed your mind, you definitely passed the test. They are the primary factors; however, there are certain less popular factors that also contribute to high blood pressure.

In today’s article, we reveal six hidden causes of hypertension that you may not have heard about before.

What does your blood pressure mean?

Before we move on to the causes of hypertension, let’s focus on a different aspect. Many patients who visit Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches often ask about their blood pressure and what it means.

Below, you will find a chart outlining the thresholds for normal, at-risk, and high blood pressure, according to the CDC:

6 Hidden Culprits of Hypertension

1. Bisphenol A or BPAs

Now, let’s focus on the causes. The first surprising cause you might not have been aware of is Bisphenol A or BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly found in plastics, canned food linings, and even some receipts. Research has shown that exposure to BPAs can disrupt hormones and lead to elevated blood pressure. This happens because BPAs mimic estrogen and interfere with the normal functioning of your blood vessels, causing them to constrict and increasing the pressure within.

Several studies(1,2,3) have shown that exposure to BPA by drinking from a canned beverage leads to increased levels of BPA in urine after several hours. The participants in the study also had an increase in systolic and diastolic (2.08mmHg) blood pressure after BPA exposure.

These studies prove that BPAs found in cans and plastic bottles may seep into our foods and drinks, leading to a small but significant rise in blood pressure.

What you can do

Reduce your exposure by choosing BPA-free products, avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers, and opting for glass or stainless-steel alternatives. Be mindful of canned foods, as BPA often lines the cans—look for products labeled “BPA-free.”

2. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disrupts oxygen flow and puts extra stress on your heart, leading to higher blood pressure.

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, and people who suffer from it aren’t even conscious that they have it. This serious sleep disorder may lead to headaches, lack of rest, diabetes, heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure.

You may wonder what interrupted sleep has to do with hypertension, but the answer is simple: when you stop breathing, the oxygen level in your body drops; as a result, the brain sends signals through the nervous system to increase the oxygen flow to the heart. In this way, the blood vessels constrict.

Besides that, constant drops in blood oxygen levels may lead to the release of stress hormones, raising the heart rate and putting you at risk for high blood pressure. More importantly, untreated sleep apnea may eventually cause a heart attack or heart failure.

What you can do

If you show symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring, restless sleep, morning headaches, lack of energy throughout the day, or insomnia, you should immediately visit our Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches to get the help that you need.

Treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or lifestyle changes like losing weight can significantly improve sleep apnea and lower blood pressure.

3. Thyroid problems

You might be wondering what the connection is between thyroid and hypertension, but we will shed some light on this question for you.

Your thyroid gland regulates many aspects of your body’s metabolism, including heart rate and blood pressure. When the thyroid gland either doesn’t produce sufficient thyroid hormone or produces too much of it, it may lead to various cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension.

It’s important to bring the levels of thyroid hormone back to normal as soon as possible for your blood pressure to be normal again. If you suspect that your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, look for the following symptoms:

Joint and muscle pain
Cracking nails
Memory loss
Fatigue
Lack of energy
High cholesterol
Depression
Chronic infections
Loss of hair
Cold intolerance

These are only some of the symptoms that may indicate that your thyroid doesn’t work right.

What you can do

If you have high blood pressure, consult the physicians at our urgent care center to find out if your thyroid is the cause of it. We will use a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, performed on a blood sample, to diagnose you. Treatment with medication or other therapies can help restore balance and manage hypertension.

4. Medications

Contrary to what you would expect, prescription and over-the-counter medications do not always improve your health. Some drugs, while staving off headaches or inflammation, may be responsible for increasing your blood pressure.

Have you ever taken Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, or Motrin IB? Or maybe you tried an herbal supplement like ephedra or ginseng? These can all raise your blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels, retaining sodium, or disrupting your body’s fluid balance.

Other medications that can also increase your risk for hypertension include decongestants, hormonal birth control, and some antidepressants.

What you can do:

Remember to always consult your physician or pharmacist about your blood pressure and the medications you’re taking.

At our urgent care center, we always make sure not to prescribe our patients medication that might harm them. We are also happy to take a look at the list of current medications you’re taking and help you determine which ones may be responsible for your increased blood pressure.

5. Added sugars

We often associate sodium with high blood pressure, but added sugar can be just as problematic. High sugar intake, particularly from sugary drinks and processed foods, can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, which can raise blood pressure over time.

Fructose, in particular, has been linked to increased production of uric acid, which constricts blood vessels. Here are some examples of where they typically hide in your diet:

Fruit juices (even those advertised as 100% juice), energy drinks, flavored coffees, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Snacks and sweets
Breakfast cereals, flavored oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, and syrup
Condiments and sauces, such as ketchup and salad dressing
Processed and packaged foods
Peanut butter, dried fruits, nut milk, plant-based drinks

What you can do

Reduce your consumption of sugary beverages, desserts, and processed foods. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reading food labels can also help you identify hidden sugars.

6. Low vitamin D levels

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels and regulating blood pressure. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased renin activity—a hormone that affects blood pressure. Limited sun exposure, poor diet, or medical conditions can contribute to vitamin D deficiency.

What you can do

Spend 15-20 minutes in the sun daily, if possible, and include vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks in your diet. Consider supplements if a blood test confirms a deficiency, but always consult your doctor first.

Take Control of Your Blood Pressure with Urgent Care of The Palm Beaches

Visit our urgent care center in Wellington, where we will help you effectively control your blood pressure. Remember, you don’t have to rush through afternoon traffic to visit us before closing time. After all, why would you want to further increase your blood pressure? You can seek help at our practice seven days per week after business hours.

Our experienced urgent care team also provides primary care and other medical services, such as:

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.