Risk Factors for Hypertension
There are two types of factors that may place
you at increased risk for high blood pressure:
Risk factors that
are beyond your control
Lifestyle risk
factors
Risk factors that
are beyond your control
Some risk factors are predetermined. These include:
Family history: You're more likely
to develop high blood pressure if your parents
also had it.
Sex: Men are more likely to develop
high blood pressure at a younger age than women.
Women are at a higher risk after age 60.
Age: High blood pressure generally
occurs in people over 30.
Race: African-Americans are at higher
risk for developing high blood pressure, heart
disease, stroke and kidney failure.
If you have high blood pressure that's caused
by an inherited condition or other risk factors
beyond your control, you may need medication to
control your condition. However, lifestyle changes
are also an important step in keeping your blood
pressure under control, and most high blood pressure
medications are more effective when combined
with those changes.
Lifestyle risk
factors
High blood pressure is often related to lifestyle factors. The most common
lifestyle factors that affect blood pressure are:
Weight: Ask your doctor what the proper
weight is for your height and build. If you
weigh more than that amount, your doctor may
recommend a diet and exercise regimen. On average,
a 10-pound weight loss will lower both your systolic and diastolic blood
pressure measurement by about 5 mm Hg.
Sodium intake: Salt is necessary
in your diet to regulate water balance
and maintain blood volume. However, if
you are "salt-sensitive," your
kidneys may not effectively rid your body
of extra salt, causing your blood pressure
to rise. If you are over age 50, African-American,
overweight or diabetic, or if you already
have high blood pressure, you could benefit
from reducing your sodium intake.
Alcohol consumption: Having more
than three drinks a day can increase your
blood pressure.
Smoking: Smoking a cigarette can
raise your blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm
Hg for about 30 minutes. Not only does
smoking raise your blood pressure, it also
greatly increases your risk of heart disease
and stroke.
Exercise: Lack of exercise is a
major risk factor contributing to the development
of high blood pressure, obesity and heart
disease.
If you have high blood pressure caused by lifestyle
factors, your doctor will work with you to develop
a treatment plan that focuses on changing the behavior that puts you at risk.
For example, your doctor may recommend a diet
and exercise program. He or she also may encourage
you to cut down on alcohol and quit
smoking.
Reviewed by: Emile Mohler, MD
Last Updated: December 2001
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