4. Avoid Stress
Stress triggers what is known as the fight or flight response. This is a state that is intended to help us avoid danger and to come out on top in a confrontation. It does this in a number of ways, which include producing more adrenaline, cortisol and dopamine to increase arousal. This elevates the heart rate and as the heart pumps harder, it increases pressure.
What’s more is that stress increases blood viscosity in an attempt to improve clotting in the case of an injury. These factors all elevate blood pressure and can be devastating if stress becomes chronic.