A pile of files on your office desk, an argument you just can’t win, a little too much salt on your eggs every morning and a little too many sleepless nights—these are just a few of the factors that can cause your blood pressure to rise.

Though momentary spikes may not seem like a big deal, there are a number of significant risks associated with allowing an elevated blood pressure to go unchecked. Think about it—your heart is linked to a vast network of blood vessels throughout your body, so pressuring your heart also means pressuring these vessels, big and small. This in turn can lead to a host of health problems, including a heightened risk of developing dementia. (end here to link and say, “Read rest of the article here”)

As explained in a recent NPR article, high blood pressure can lead to a traffic jam of sorts in your circulatory system, impairing the functioning of various organs. Blood flow to the brain, for instance, can be blocked or limited when the brain’s tiny blood vessels are damaged by the increased pressure. Without a healthy blood vessel infrastructure, brain cells struggle to stay alive, leading to vascular dementia. Yet vascular dementia isn’t the only concern, since high blood pressure can also cause an accumulation of plaque in the brain that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well.

Knowing these risks underscores the importance of not only checking your blood pressure regularly but taking the necessary steps to keep it under control. Remember there are no substitutes for a healthy diet, a healthy amount of sleep, and a healthy dose of exercise, which are the main safeguards against high blood pressure.

So the next time you need a bit of motivation to eat more leafy greens, go to bed early or hit the gym, remember that you’ll be helping your body maintain not only healthy blood pressure, but a healthy brain as well! 🙂