Why is my Systolic Blood Pressure High

Many people are familiar with the term “high blood pressure,” but they might not realize it's made up of two numbers: systolic and diastolic.

Today, we’re focusing on the systolic reading—the top number—and what it means when it's high. We'll explore high systolic blood pressure and how to approach this health concern naturally.

What Does Systolic Blood Pressure Mean?

First, let’s define systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure:

• Systolic (top number): Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, pumping blood out.

• Diastolic (bottom number): Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats.

High systolic blood pressure means the pressure is too high when your heart contracts. For people older than 65, elevated systolic pressure can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about listening to your body.

High Systolic Blood Pressure: Why It’s Often Missed

Traditional medical resources, even online searches, frequently overlook a major contributor to high systolic blood pressure: elevated cortisol.

While factors like thyroid issues or diabetes are often linked to high blood pressure readings, high cortisol doesn't always show up in initial searches. This is where a holistic understanding of the body is essential.

Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can significantly impact cardiovascular health, potentially leading to isolated systolic hypertension.

Understanding this connection is vital for effective blood pressure management.

High Cortisol: The Silent Culprit in High Systolic Blood Pressure

High cortisol can directly impact your blood pressure in several key ways:

1. Sodium Retention:

High cortisol prompts your body to retain sodium. This leads to water retention and a subsequent increase in blood volume, which can elevate your blood pressure.

2. Potassium Depletion:

While your body is holding onto sodium, high cortisol simultaneously flushes out potassium. This imbalance disrupts the delicate sodium-potassium balance crucial for regulating blood pressure.

Maintaining adequate potassium levels is essential for the heart and blood vessels to function correctly.

3. Sympathetic Nervous System Overdrive:

The "fight or flight" response is your sympathetic nervous system in action. Elevated cortisol sends this system into overdrive. This leads to constricted blood vessels, a faster heart rate, and elevated blood pressure, potentially contributing to high systolic blood pressure.

4. Nitric Oxide Suppression:

Nitric oxide, naturally produced by our bodies, is a vasodilator, meaning it helps blood vessels relax. This relaxation is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

However, cortisol can interfere with this process. It suppresses nitric oxide production, potentially leading to constricted blood vessels and increased blood pressure.

Targeting High Cortisol Naturally for High Systolic Blood Pressure

While medication might be necessary to manage high blood pressure, many individuals find success by addressing the root cause: high cortisol. Here are a few natural approaches:

1. Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin Connection:

Sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which functions more like a hormone than a vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various health issues, including high cortisol and, consequently, high systolic blood pressure.

Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

If you're concerned about your vitamin D levels, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can recommend the appropriate dosage of vitamin D based on your individual needs.

For many people, a daily dose of at least 20,000 IU of vitamin D along with 200 mcg of Vitamin K2 is a good starting point.

2. Potassium Power: Replenish and Rebalance:

We've established that high cortisol depletes potassium, directly impacting blood pressure. Increasing potassium intake through diet is essential. This involves incorporating potassium-rich foods into your daily meals.

By doing so, you're essentially providing your body with the necessary tools to naturally regulate blood pressure. Here are some potassium-rich foods to include in your diet:

• Leafy Green Vegetables (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard): These nutritional powerhouses are excellent sources of potassium and nitric oxide precursors. Nitric oxide, as discussed earlier, promotes blood vessel relaxation, further aiding in blood pressure control.

• Avocados: Packed with heart-healthy fats and a good amount of potassium, avocados make for a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet.

3. Nitric Oxide Boost: Relax and Regulate:

Given that high cortisol suppresses nitric oxide production, it's vital to counteract this effect by incorporating foods that naturally boost nitric oxide levels.

Consider adding these foods to your diet:

• Beets: The vibrant color of beets comes from nitrates. Our bodies convert these nitrates into nitric oxide. Enjoy beets in salads, or incorporate beet juice into your diet.

• Garlic: Besides adding flavor to your meals, garlic is known to promote healthy blood vessel function. Its beneficial compounds contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.

• Meat: Choosing quality sources of meat can provide essential nutrients that support healthy nitric oxide levels, which is beneficial for maintaining optimal blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Basics

Explore the various factors contributing to elevated systolic blood pressure, including lifestyle choices, diet, stress, and genetic predisposition.

Understanding these causes is crucial for managing and preventing hypertension, as high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications.

Alongside these insights, the guide offers a delicious and nutritious recipe for fried cabbage with bacon, highlighting the balance of flavors and textures in this dish.

While enjoying this savory side, it's important to consider portion sizes and overall dietary habits to maintain heart health.

Fried cabbage with bacon can be a delightful addition to meals, demonstrating that eating well doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor while being mindful of blood pressure management.

Conclusion

Dealing with high systolic blood pressure, or any form of hypertension, can be concerning. However, recognizing its potential connection to high cortisol can be a game-changer for many individuals.

Understanding how chronic stress, and its impact on cortisol, affects your blood pressure empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.

Try incorporating these natural approaches, such as increasing potassium intake, ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels, and consuming foods rich in nitrates, into your daily routine.

These lifestyle changes, along with regular checkups with your healthcare provider, can significantly contribute to managing high systolic blood pressure and improving your cardiovascular health.

Remember, knowledge and proactive steps are key to maintaining optimal well-being.