The Link Between Being Overweight and Hypertension

Over 70% of adults in the United States are above optimal levels of body weight. High body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for high blood pressure, a silent killer that affects many aspects of your health. 

The only reliable way to evaluate high blood pressure is through cuff tests with a health professional, supported by similar tests in a home setting. Our team at Palm Desert Urgent Care, serving adults in and around Palm Desert, California, is your partner in blood pressure testing, diagnosis, and treatment. 

Dr. Manzoor Kazi specializes in helping patients with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The link between obesity and hypertension is close. Here’s what you need to know for the benefit of your health. 

The physical connection

When your body weight exceeds optimal levels, you require greater blood volume to supply cells throughout your body with oxygen and nutrients. Extra blood volume requires your heart to work harder, increasing the force with which it pumps. 

In turn, this force pushes on and often weakens the walls of your arteries. That force, known as blood pressure, has a constant minimum level as well as the high level that occurs at the moment of your heart beating. 

Insulin resistance

Being overweight increases your risk of experiencing insulin resistance, a condition that’s interconnected with hypertension. Insulin is a hormone messenger that unlocks the cells in your body to accept blood glucose, the energy source used for the metabolic functions of your cells. 

When your body's cells resist the effects of insulin, they don’t open as easily to absorb glucose from your blood. In turn, your body sends out more insulin to counteract the resistance. 

This insulin increase causes your kidneys to retain more sodium and water, which adds to the volume of fluid in your body. We’ve already seen the connection between fluid volume and high blood pressure. 

Aspects of lifestyle

There’s often a connection between carrying extra pounds, dietary habits, and activity levels. The basic weight loss equation of burning more calories than you consume requires attention to both exercise and nutrition. 

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains combined with moderate levels of physical activity support modest weight loss, which is often enough to trigger lower blood pressure levels. 

Aerobic activity also strengthens your heart, countering the physical effects of stress, while resistance and strength exercises may help lower insulin resistance.

The effects of weight loss

Since modest weight loss can have a significant impact on high blood pressure, we encourage our patients to take the steps necessary to lower the impact of BMI and, subsequently, high blood pressure. 

Weight loss isn't all about reducing the number on the scale. You'll see improvements in your blood pressure and this is just the start of a good health cascade. You may experience benefits such as: 

• Increased energy 
• Better sleep 
• Improved mood 
• Lower risk of other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease

Modest levels of weight loss could also reduce joint pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. 

Visit the high blood pressure specialists at Palm Desert Urgent Care to get started with a blood pressure management program. Call our office or book an appointment online today.