10 Causes of Hypertension

There are many health reasons not to smoke and reducing your risk of hypertension is one of them. Nicotine found in cigarette smoke increases heart rate, narrows arteries, increases blood pressure and the likelihood of clots, and hardens arterial walls. While you may be aware of the deleterious effects of cigarettes and excessive alcohol, sometime saying “no” can be easier said than done. Check out these six steps to help overcome addictions, including smoking and drinking. Even if you aren’t a smoker yourself, remember that secondhand smoke can put you at risk for high blood pressure as well, so try to stay clear of those that are smoking.