According to Dr. Doan Vinh Binh from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, anger triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and cause a sudden spike in blood pressure. Frequent anger and consistently high blood pressure increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Anger can affect mood and cause high blood pressure. Image generated by AI.

Social isolation increases chronic stress, sleep disorders, inflammation, and unhealthy behaviors like lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among the elderly, young people, and vulnerable populations.

Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D helps regulate the renin-angiotensin system, a hormone system that balances blood pressure. Vitamin D deficiency can cause this system to overwork, leading to vasoconstriction and increased pressure on the heart. Low vitamin D levels are also linked to chronic inflammation and blood vessel dysfunction, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Exposure to blue light from phones and computers at night can suppress melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. This can lead to poor sleep, elevated heart rate, and increased blood pressure. These disruptions can impair cognitive function and the brain's ability to recover. To minimize these effects, turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed and engage in relaxing activities like reading or listening to calming music.

Dr. Binh explains that air pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and especially fine dust, can damage blood vessels, promote atherosclerosis, and impede blood flow. The heart has to work harder to maintain circulation, leading to increased blood pressure. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants also increases the risk of blood clots, which can cause complications like stroke or pulmonary embolism.

To prevent high blood pressure, Dr. Binh recommends regular health checkups, including home blood pressure monitoring. He also advises maintaining a healthy diet, exercising daily, and managing stress. Regularly supplementing with natural extracts like GDL-5 from South American sugarcane can help regulate blood lipids and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Dinh Dieu