Risk Factors
Hypertension is the world's leading attributable cause of death. About 70 million American adults have hypertension, which means that one in three people is affected. This being said, it is very important to recognize the risk factors for hypertension so that it can be both prevented and managed. The following are risk factors for high blood pressure.
Age
The risk of developing hypertension increases after the after the age of 45 in men and the age of 65 in women.
Family History
High blood pressure tends to run in families.
Race
African Americans tend to be at greater risk of hypertension.
Obesity
The more you weigh, the more blood that needs to be circulated throughout the body. As blood volume increases, so does the pressure on the arteries.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of regular physical activity can increase heart rate and promotes obesity.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and the use of any sort of tobacco product raises blood pressure and the chemicals in tobacco can damage the arterial lining of artery walls. This may cause the arteries to narrow and increase the risk of development of heart disease.
Diet
Too much sodium intake may cause the body to retain fluid and too little potassium may causes an overabundance of sodium, both of which may increase blood pressure. It is imperative that patients with high blood pressure eat fruits and vegetables and avoid high fat diets.
Alcohol Abuse
Heavy drinking-considered more than a drink a day for women and more than two drinks a day in men- can lead to heart damage.
Chronic Stress
High levels of stress can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. If stress becomes chronic, it may have lasting effects on blood pressure.
Chronic Conditions
Conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea may increase the risk of high blood pressure.
