High blood pressure is an increased pressure of the blood against the artery walls as it circulates through the body and can lead to heart attack, stroke and death. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) states that around one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure. Also called hypertension, this disorder has both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. People with high blood pressure should be under the care of a medical professional, and everyone should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
People of Advanced Age
According to the NHLBI, males over 45 years of age and females over 55 years of age are more likely to suffer from hypertension. Blood vessels lose some of their elasticity as you age, which can lead to higher blood pressure.
African-Americans
Hypertension is more common among African-Americans than Caucasians or Hispanic-Americans, according to the NHLBI. African-Americans tend to develop high blood pressure at an earlier age and are more susceptible to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and premature death as a result of the condition.
Overweight or Obese People
People who are more than normal weight for their gender and height are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. The Mayo Clinic explains that the larger your body size, the more blood you need to carry nutrients and oxygen to the parts of the body. The end effect can be raised blood pressure.
People with a Family History of Hypertension
According to the American Heart Association, people who have biological family members with high blood pressure are more likely to develop hypertension themselves. While most people with high blood pressure are adults, children can develop the condition as well. This risk is increased if a child has a hypertensive parent or other close blood relative.
Smokers
Smokers are at an increased risk of hypertension. Smoking constricts your arteries, which raises your blood pressure. Chemicals found in tobacco cause further damage to your arteries, and no tobacco product should be considered safe.
People Who Drink Excess Alcohol
Drinking excess alcohol on a regular basis can raise your blood pressure and damage your heart. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume on average no more than two alcoholic drinks each day and that women consume on average no more than one drink each day.
Sedentary People
Sedentary people face an increased risk of hypertension. Regular physical activity is important for the health of the circulatory system. The ability of each person varies, but any increase in the activity level of a sedentary person is beneficial to the heart. A healthy adult should strive for 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, activities that are moderately intense include brisk walking, dancing, bicycling and yard work.
People with a Poor Diet
A diet with too much sodium and too little potassium can raise the risk of high blood pressure. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and eating less table salt and processed foods will help reduce the risk. A high intake of saturated fat and cholesterol can damage the arteries and heart, also leading to hypertension.
People with Certain Chronic Illnesses
Sleep apnea raises your risk of hypertension. People with diabetes and kidney disease are also at an increased risk. Some abnormalities present at birth can cause high blood pressure.
