However, just because you get older doesn't mean you will develop high blood pressure. Physical Activity Participation in regular physical activities can lower your resting blood pressure. Regular physical activity can help you lose weight and thus lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. As a result, regular physical activity may lower your risk of many diseases including high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Smoking Smoking increases your risk of high blood pressure.
Smoking seems to raise blood pressure levels and heart rate.
Smoking also lowers HDL-cholesterol. Smoking may increase the tendency of blood to clot and thus lead to a heart attack. In addition, smoking is a key factor in sudden death from cardiovascular disease. Diabetes High blood pressure is two to three times more common in people with diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes. Insulin resistance, most commonly associated with obesity, signals the pancreas to produce more insulin.