Everything from your blood pressure to your risk of cardiovascular disease is affected by healthy blood flow. A warm bath encourages your circulatory organs—your arteries and veins—to expand and move blood more effectively throughout your body. Similarly, drinking hot water may have the same effect. Studies have shown that holding a hot cup of water in front of you during a task can help reduce stress on your heart and improve its performance. There are several ways in which heat can be useful for people with high blood pressure. First, it can be helpful to apply some warmth to cold hands or feet. This can increase the rate at which your blood flows, which in turn should raise your temperature. Second, heat can be useful for reducing pain and stiffness caused by hypertension. For example, a hot shower or bath can help relax stiff muscles and relieve discomfort due to high blood pressure when it is located in the legs. Heat can also be useful for treating symptoms such as vision problems or anxiety associated with high blood pressure. For example, a hot-water bottle placed under the blankets at bedtime may help reduce anxiety and provide comfort for those who suffer from insomnia due to high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. These substances can cause blood pressure to rise. If you must have something with caffeine, choose coffee or tea instead of soda or energy drinks.