Lowering your blood pressure is the number one thing you can do to lower your risk for stroke, according to the American Heart Association. For many people in the pre-hypertensive range (less than 140mmHg systolic or 90mmHg diastolic) their blood pressure is too high by just a few points, but for the severely hypertensive just a few points can be the difference between life and death. The following is a list of things that cause at least a temporary rise in blood pressure, and that ceasing to do can often quickly lower blood pressure.

1. Smoking
   While smoking does seem to temporarily raise blood pressure, a direct long term connection has yet to be found. However, smoking and tobacco do damage blood vessels and arteries which causes them to contract. These narrower passageways do contribute to high blood pressure and hypertension.
2. Caffeine
   While there is some controversy, researchers tend to agree that caffeine does slightly raise blood pressure in the short run and over time individuals who consume large quantities of coffee are more likely be diagnosed with hypertension.
3. Stress
   We know there is a tie between stress and hypertension, but the exact relationship is unknown. However, certain stress reducing activities such as meditation, exercising and listening to relaxing music have all been proven to lower blood pressure.
4. Cold medicines Many cold medicines contain decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine) which work by constricting blood vessels and may temporarily raise blood pressure. If you are hypertensive, be sure to check with your Doctor before using any decongestants.
5. Non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
   Pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen cause a temporary rise in blood pressure; however, drugs such as Asprin and Tylenol seem don’t seem to have the same effect. Be sure to check with your Doctor, especially if you are stage 2 hypertensive, before beginning any OTC pain medications.
6. Alcohol
   Heavy drinking (3-6 alcoholic drinks per day) has been definitively tied to high blood pressure. Less research has been done on lighter drinking, but there is enough evidence to strongly recommend that hypertensive individuals in particular should consume no more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day.

For many simple lifestyle changes and increased awareness can make a big impact in their battle against hypertension. However, if you find yourself still struggling with hypertension and want a way to naturally lower your blood pressure, check out the Zona Plus.