Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is a blood pressure reading under 120/80. When either the systolic (first number) is between 120 and 139, or the diastolic (second number) is between 80 and 89, you may have prehypertension, a condition that often leads to hypertension. Any reading over 140/90 is indicative of high blood pressure. There are several risk factors that may make you more likely to develop hypertension. Some of these are not anything that you can control, but others are dietary and lifestyle factors that you are able to change.
Age
Older people are more likely to develop hypertension. Women over 55 and men over 45 are more likely than younger women and men to have this condition. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), more than 50 percent of adults over the age of 60 have high blood pressure.
Race
African Americans are more likely to have hypertension than Caucasians and Hispanics. They are also more likely to develop high blood pressure at an earlier age, and to suffer complications, such as strokes or heart attacks.
Gender
Men are more likely to have hypertension than women, but women under the age of 60 are more likely to be treated for hypertension than similarly aged men. As patients age, however, the NHLBI reports that men are more likely than woman to have their hypertension under control with medical care.
Overweight and Obesity
Overweight and obese people are more likely to develop hypertension than their peers of normal weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, living a sedentary lifestyle contributes to hypertension, and also often contributes to overweight or obesity.
Dietary and Lifestyle Risk Factors
Certain dietary habits can raise the risk of developing hypertension. These include consuming excess sodium or salt, not consuming enough potassium, and not consuming enough vitamin D.
Lifestyle risk factors for hypertension include drinking alcohol, using tobacco, and having high levels of long-lasting stress.
Other Risk Factors
Hypertension can run in families, so a family history of high blood pressure can predispose you to developing the condition as well.
Health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and high cholesterol can make it more likely that you will develop hypertension as well.
