High Blood Pressure: Risk Factors & Prevention

High blood pressure is diagnosed when blood pressure is constantly elevated. A person's normal blood pressure should be about 120/80. A blood pressure of 140/90 is the beginning stage of hypertension. Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause a stroke, kidney failure or heart failure. There are risks factors that cause high blood pressure as well as ways to prevent it.

Age

• The older you get, the more your chances increase at developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure is more common in men beginning middle age, and women develop high blood pressure usually after menopause.

Family History

• If there are a number of people in your family diagnosed with high blood pressure, you run the risk of being diagnosed with high blood pressure as well since it runs in families.

Overweight

• When a person is overweight or obese, more blood has to be pumped to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Blood volume increases as well as pressure on the artery walls.

Eating Healthy

• Follow a diet that includes leafy green vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy, and limit sodium intake with meals to help prevent high blood pressure.

Exercise

• Exercising daily can improve blood flow and helps reduce your resting heart rate and blood pressure. Exercising also helps reduce excess weight, which helps decrease hypertension.