00:10Many people take medication for high blood pressure but still notice that their readings
00:16remain elevated. This can be frustrating and even dangerous if left unchecked. Tonight on House Call
00:25we're discussing why blood pressure would still remain high despite medication and what
00:31important factors could be contributing. High blood pressure is influenced by many different
00:36factors and medication is only a part of the picture. Here are some common reasons why your
00:42blood pressure may remain elevated. 1. A high salt intake. Foods that are high in sodium including
00:50processed foods, fast foods, canned foods and even salty snacks can cause the body to retain water
00:58and increase your blood pressure. Aim for no more than 1500 mg of salt in a day.
01:052. Missed or inconsistent medication use. Skipping doses and not taking medication at the same time
01:13every day can reduce its effectiveness. 3. Stress and poor sleep.
01:20Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can raise stress hormones and this can lead to an increase
01:26in your blood pressure. 4. Weight gain and physical inactivity.
01:32Excessive weight and not moving your body can put excessive strain on your heart and blood vessels.
01:405. Alcohol, smoking or vaping. These habits can have a negative effect on your blood vessel function,
01:49thereby leading to an increase in your blood pressure. 6. Other medical conditions.
01:56In some cases, underlying conditions such as kidney problems, sleep apnea, thyroid issues or hormonal
02:04imbalances can lead to more difficult blood pressure control. Of course, it's important that you take
02:11your blood pressure correctly. Factors such as pain, anxiety, caffeine, smoking or talking while taking
02:19your blood pressure can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure reading. If your blood pressure
02:25remains elevated despite medication use, don't ignore it and don't stop taking your medication until you seek
02:33medical advice. Controlling your blood pressure is often a combination of medication, lifestyle changes
02:41and regular monitoring. The good news is small consistent changes can make a big difference in
02:49in protecting your kidney, brain and heart. It's Dr. Marianna Brown for TV6 House School.
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