If you are a smoker, did you know that your blood pressure temporarily rises each time you light up? Even though your blood pressure may return to normal shortly after smoking a cigarette, there will be a day when it does not return to normal and you may not be aware of it until it’s too late.

Smoking increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, therefore increases your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

So how can you reduce smoking and lower your blood pressure along with it? Although it may be easier said than done, don’t smoke a cigarette whenever you get the urge. The urge is what drives one to smoke a pack or more a day, so scheduling when you smoke can help you have some power against that nagging urge.

Another thing you can do is occupy yourself when you begin thinking about smoking. Instead of lighting up, try doing something you know will get your mind off of the desire for a cigarette such as playing a computer game. Steps such as these will get you that much closer to a healthier heart.

The way to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure in smokers is by eliminating smoking altogether. By making this change in your lifestyle, you are not only doing your heart a favor, but you are doing your lungs and even your entire body a favor.

With 30% of heart related deaths being associated to smoking, those statistics themselves are enough reason to kick the habit. Smokers have control over how high their risk is for developing high blood pressure.

The risk may not be entirely eliminated since there are other physiological factors that may cause it, such as a family history of high blood pressure, but it is certainly significantly reduced.

Don’t think just because you have been smoking for years that all hope is gone. It is true that each time you light up a cigarette the chances of high blood pressure increases. Your chances also increase based on how long you have been smoking and how long you intend to smoke.

By quitting the habit you can actually reduce the chance of developing high blood pressure. Yes, you can start with a clean slate toward healthy habits to give your future a different outcome than if you continued smoking.

On the other hand, by continuing smoking you are risking high blood pressure and other diseases that can result in other severe health conditions. By quitting, you are not only prolonging your life, but you are reducing your risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, and even various forms of cancer that have been linked to smoking.

If saving money isn’t a good enough incentive, think about your future and how your quality of life will improve because you made the decision to quit smoking. There is no easy way that works for everyone when it comes time to quit smoking. There are people including your doctor who can help find the way that works for you. By quitting you are telling yourself that you have chosen to live longer and live well.

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http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/understanding-high-blood-pressure-basics