High blood pressure itself does not cause obesity but can impact the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS regulates blood pressure and cardiovascular function and, if overactivated, can affect body mass and blood pressure. People with high blood pressure may experience weight gain by this system being more activated.
Weight gain and fluctuations in weight can happen for a variety of reasons. Many people progressively gain weight as they age or make changes to their lifestyle. However, fast weight gain can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a problem with the thyroid, kidneys, or heart.
Diuretics (like hydrochlorothiazide, Dyazide, or Maxzide) taken to help control high blood pressure tend to cause a temporary reduction in weight due to fluid loss. Since the body is composed of some 70% water, the shift can be significant but it does not “count” over the long haul; it does not affect fat content.
Hypertension is one of the most frequently observed cardiovascular diseases, which precedes heart failure in 75% of its cases. It is well-established that hypertensive patients have whole body metabolic complications such as hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, decreased insulin sensitivity or diabetes mellitus.
Gradually increase your level of physical activity beyond the AHA recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, lower the number of calories you take in and eat a healthy diet.
Orlistat is a good choice to assist in achieving weight loss among patients with hypertension and obesity, as its efficacy and safety has been examined well in this population [78].
Losing even 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure—and losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension. Overweight and obesity are also risk factors for heart disease.
Long-term use of blood pressure medication could be contributing to kidney damage. New kidney research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine is raising concerns that long-term use of drugs commonly prescribed to treat high-blood pressure and heart failure could be contributing to kidney damage.
You're gaining muscle. The scale might be stuck because you're building up your biceps and glutes—and that's a good thing. The number on the scale is less important than the breakdown of how much water, muscle, and fat are in your body, Jovanovic says.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.
Excessive daytime sleepiness or tiredness is a symptom sometimes associated with high blood pressure, and it has been shown to be a potential warning sign for cardiac events. 2 High blood pressure may also be linked to tiredness in other ways, such as sleep disturbances.
Most of the time, blood pressure medicines do not cause side effects. Some people have mild side effects, including dizziness, headaches, swelling in the legs or feet, or stomach problems.
As long as you're regularly working with your doctor on treatment and managing your blood pressure levels, you will likely live a long life. This includes making significant changes to your health and lifestyle for the better.
What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
“Consuming diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).
If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid physical activity that requires sudden bursts of activity or strain as these may increase the risk of arterial rupture, heart attack, or stroke. Activities to avoid include weight lifting, playing squash, and sprinting, as well as skydiving and SCUBA diving.
Beta-blockers, specifically metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol, are the high blood pressure drugs most associated with weight gain (Wharton, 2018).
High blood pressure symptoms in women can be subtle
Headaches. Fatigue. Shortness of breath. Chest discomfort.
The most common side effects include tiredness, headache, dizziness, leg cramps, and upset stomach. Usually these side effects go away within the first few weeks of taking your medication.
The risk of stroke increases continuously above blood pressure (BP) levels of approximately 115/75 mm Hg. Since the association is steep, and BP levels are high in most adult populations, almost two thirds of stroke burden globally is attributable to nonoptimal BP (ie, >115/75 mm Hg).