High Blood Pressure + High Cholesterol: 3 Morning Habits to Avoid
If you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, there isn’t a medically established rule that everyone must avoid three specific morning activities. However, these habits can work against cardiovascular health:
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🚬 Smoking soon after waking
Nicotine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate and constrict blood vessels. Avoiding tobacco is an important step for cardiovascular health. -
🥓 Starting the day with a very salty, processed breakfast
Foods such as processed meats and heavily salted packaged foods can add substantial sodium and saturated fat. Choose more often foods such as oats, fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and unsalted nuts. -
💊 Skipping prescribed medication
If your doctor has prescribed blood-pressure or cholesterol medication, take it according to the instructions. Don’t skip or change doses based on how you feel or on a single home reading.
A better morning routine
If you monitor your blood pressure at home, sit quietly for about 5 minutes before measuring, keep your back supported and feet flat on the floor, and use a properly fitting upper-arm cuff. Keep a record of repeated readings rather than worrying about one isolated number.
If you have a reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, repeat it after a few minutes of rest. If it remains that high and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vision changes, difficulty speaking, or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
