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Can driving cause high blood pressure?

I have to drive for over an hour each day to get to work. I’ve been feeling tightness in my chest and more fatigued—is this a sign of high blood pressure?

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Tiffany Leung · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear of your recent discomfort. There may be some relation between high blood pressure and the stress experienced from driving in traffic. Some studies have found that longer commutes have a hand in driving up a person’s blood pressure.
To help avoid high blood pressure while driving, you can make small changes to your lifestyle to keep your blood pressure under control. Here are some things you can do:
  • Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. You can start by limiting fast-food meals and reducing your sodium intake.
  • Exercise regularly to strengthen your heart. Aim for around 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
  • Get adequate rest and cut back on caffeine.
  • Quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake.
If your symptoms continue to worsen, consult your family doctor immediately. You may even be prescribed medication to help alleviate the fatigue and chest tightness you’re experiencing and control your blood pressure.
Be sure to update your
car insurance
with your medical conditions. Failing to disclose your high blood pressure and medications could affect your eligibility if you get into an accident. Questions can be texted to our team of experts through the
Jerry
app—they will be happy to help!
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MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances
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