Eating a low-salt diet is one important measure to help control blood pressure. However, for some individuals, reducing salt intake does not stabilize their blood pressure, as many other factors can also influence this condition.

Insulin resistance

According to Times of India, insulin resistance causes cells to respond poorly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to secrete more of this hormone to move glucose from the blood into cells. High insulin levels can cause the kidneys to retain more sodium and water, increasing blood volume. Simultaneously, this condition can affect the ability of blood vessels to dilate, contributing to elevated blood pressure.

Excess weight, abdominal obesity

When body fat increases, especially visceral fat, many blood pressure regulation mechanisms can be affected. Abdominal obesity often accompanies insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and dyslipidemia, forming a group of risk factors that can simultaneously impact blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Physical inactivity

Even with a low-salt diet, physical inactivity can make blood pressure difficult to control. Prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity make it challenging for the body to maintain a healthy weight, while also affecting cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Regular exercise promotes efficient energy use, supports weight management, and improves cardiovascular system function. In addition to adjusting salt intake, everyone should maintain suitable activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training.

Regular blood pressure checks help proactively monitor health. Photo: Benh vien Da khoa Tam Anh

Sleep apnea

Insufficient or frequently interrupted sleep can make it difficult for the body to maintain normal blood pressure regulation mechanisms. During episodes of apnea, the body can experience temporary oxygen deprivation, which also activates the sympathetic nervous system. These repeated changes throughout the night place additional stress on the cardiovascular system and make blood pressure harder to control.

Individuals who frequently snore loudly, experience restless sleep, wake up multiple times, or feel tired even after waking should pay attention to their sleep quality, especially if they also have high blood pressure, according to Very Well Health.

Chronic stress

When stressed, the body activates a response to cope with the immediate situation; heart rate can increase, blood vessels constrict, and blood pressure changes. Beyond direct impacts, chronic stress can also lead to reduced sleep, irregular eating habits, physical inactivity, or increased alcohol consumption, all of which affect blood pressure.

Age, genetics

As age increases, blood vessels tend to become stiffer and less elastic, which makes blood pressure more likely to rise over time. This is why a person maintaining a relatively healthy diet can still develop high blood pressure in older age.

Individuals with parents or relatives who have high blood pressure are at higher risk. While genetic factors cannot be changed, recognizing this risk helps proactively schedule regular blood pressure checks.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)