High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. Over time, this sustained pressure places excessive strain on the cardiovascular system, significantly increasing the risk of complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease. While medications are available to lower blood pressure, they are not a “magic pill.” In some cases, medications may not lower blood pressure enough on their own, lose effectiveness over time, and cause side effects that lead to additional health concerns. Because of these limitations, lifestyle modification is a core component of hypertension management, which may include:

• Diet: A diet high in sodium and low in potassium can cause the body to retain fluid and impair sodium regulation, leading to increased blood pressure. High intake of saturated fats and processed foods can also stiffen blood vessels. Health experts recommend diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets are both supported by strong clinical evidence for lowering blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps the heart pump more efficiently and supports flexible, responsive blood vessels. It also reduces inflammation and stress hormone levels. Even a single session of moderate exercise can produce short-term reductions in blood pressure.
• Avoid tobacco: Smoking damages the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), promotes inflammation, and narrows arteries, all of which contribute to higher blood pressure. Second-hand smoke exposure has similar effects.
• Limit alcohol: Chronic heavy drinking raises blood pressure by impairing kidney function, increasing stress hormone release, and negatively impacting central blood pressure regulation. Even moderate alcohol intake may contribute to hypertension in some individuals.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight increases the workload on the heart and contributes to hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory changes that elevate blood pressure. Weight loss—especially abdominal fat—can significantly improve blood pressure.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases circulating levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood pressure. Stress also encourages unhealthy coping behaviors like overeating, alcohol use, and smoking.
• Improve sleep quality: Getting between seven and nine hours of restorative sleep each night is essential for blood pressure regulation. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—which causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep—are strongly linked to resistant hypertension. Poor sleep also increases stress and reduces the body’s ability to recover.

Believe it or not, chiropractic care may also support blood pressure regulation. Some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments can influence autonomic nervous system function, reduce muscle tension, and relieve mechanical compression on blood vessels. These changes may lead to short-term reductions in blood pressure, particularly in patients with cervical spine dysfunction. While chiropractic is not a standalone treatment for hypertension, it may serve as a complementary strategy, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle.