Stress can ratchet up your blood pressure, but a fit physique might cancel out the effects.

It's true: Being a well-muscled machine helps your blood pressure return to normal faster following a stressful event.

Fat and Your Stress Response
The more body fat you pack, the more trouble your body will have in getting your blood pressure cooled down after stress. And this relationship probably explains, in part, why stress and obesity are connected to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. 

Easy Steps to Steadier Blood Pressure
Few things age your arteries faster than high blood pressure, so keep yours under control with these simple steps:

• Opt for meals that are more in line with the medically proven DASH Diet.
• Get moving. Skip the gym and try the YOU2 Workout.
• Buy a tape measure. Here's why tracking your waist size is so important.
• Connect with others on the RealAge Community Message Boards . . . because loneliness can boost blood pressure.

Did You Know?
Meditation may lower your blood pressure, too. Give it a spin with this simple meditation exercise.