However, it can increase the risk of other problems such as heart disease. Regular blood pressure checks are the best way to monitor and watch for any change. Many things can cause high blood pressure, including some medications, frequent alcohol intake, smoking, excessive salt intake, obesity , pregnancy , and many diseases. In some cases, high blood pressure can be treated by lifestyle changes. In others, medications may be necessary.
Stress is a common cause and exacerbator of high blood pressure.
1 Avoiding stressful situations may help lower blood pressure. Regular exercise can lower high blood pressure. 2 Other healthful lifestyle changes include weight loss 3 and stopping smoking. 4 Several dietary changes may also help combat high blood pressure. In many cases, hypertension is caused by excessive salt intake.