If You Have High Blood Pressure, NEVER Do This in the Morning

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a "silent killer" because many people experience no symptoms until serious complications arise. Endocrinologist Dr. João Sorio outlines nine critical morning mistakes people with hypertension make. The most critical mistake is tied to medication adherence.

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The Core Mistake: Stopping Medication

NEVER Stop Your Meds Just Because Your Blood Pressure Looks Good

It is a common mistake for people to wake up, see a normal reading (like $\mathbf{120/80}$), and assume they can skip their prescribed medication for the day.

• Why It's Dangerous: A single, healthy blood pressure reading is not a sign of a cure; it is a sign that your treatment is working as prescribed. Treating hypertension is an ongoing, long-term process.

• The Risk: Stopping medication, even for one day, disrupts the long-term control your doctor established. This can destabilize your blood pressure over time and lead to serious health issues.

• The Rule: Always take your blood pressure medication as usual. If you feel dizzy, unwell, or if your readings are consistently low, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment—never make changes on your own.

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8 Other Morning Mistakes to Avoid

1. Be Careful With Certain Teas

Some common teas contain natural compounds that can affect blood pressure and interact with medication.

• Teas that can potentially raise pressure: Green tea, black tea, ginger tea, and mate tea.

• Teas that can potentially lower pressure: Hibiscus tea, horsetail tea (which acts as a diuretic).

• The Solution: Consult your doctor about any tea you plan to drink regularly, especially if you are on blood pressure medication.

2. Don’t Assume You’re Fine Just Because You Have No Symptoms

High blood pressure causes damage to organs (kidneys, eyes, heart) even if you "feel fine."

Category	Systolic (Top)	Diastolic (Bottom)
Normal	Less than 120	Less than 80
High Blood Pressure (Stage 1)	130-139	80t-89
High Blood Pressure Stage 2)	140 or higher	90 or higher

3. Be Careful With Over-the-Counter Medications

Some common anti-inflammatory drugs can raise blood pressure and interfere with your treatment.

• Medications to Watch: Naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac.

• The Risk: Using these for even five days or more can affect your blood pressure levels. Use only short-term and with medical supervision.

4. Watch Your Breakfast Choices

Many breakfast staples are hidden sources of excessive sodium, which raises blood pressure.

• Foods to Limit: Bacon, sausages, ham, fatty cheeses (provolone, parmesan), salami, and ultra-processed foods.

• The Goal: The recommended daily sodium intake is up to 2 grams. Be mindful of the sodium already in your food, not just the salt you add.

5. Get Enough Quality Sleep

Sleep quality directly affects your blood vessel health and blood pressure.

• Quantity: Aim for 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Less than six hours is insufficient for long-term health.

• Quality: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is a common cause of high blood pressure, as repeated drops in blood oxygen levels destabilize the circulatory system. Treating sleep apnea is crucial for effective blood pressure control.

6. Understand the Underlying Cause of Your High Blood Pressure

Identifying the root cause can lead to more effective treatment.

• Hormonal Links: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can dramatically raise systolic pressure. Conversely, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can also cause high blood pressure by affecting blood vessel relaxation.

• Other Causes: Excess levels of the stress hormone cortisol can also lead to hypertension (often accompanied by high blood sugar and specific weight gain patterns).

7. Measure Your Blood Pressure Correctly and Consistently

Inconsistent or overly frequent checks can skew results or cause anxiety.

• The Balance: Find a balance; constantly checking can raise your blood pressure due to anxiety (releasing cortisol and adrenaline).

• The Record: Always record your readings (date, time, systolic/diastolic values, and heart rate) to give your doctor accurate trend data for treatment adjustments.

8. Be Mindful of Your Coffee Intake

While coffee in moderation is generally considered safe, overdoing it can be risky.

• Safe Limit: The ideal daily coffee intake is generally 3 to 4 cups ($200 \text{ ml}$ each) or three shots of espresso.

• The Risk: Consuming eight or more doses might increase the risk of arrhythmias and can exacerbate high blood pressure in sensitive individuals.