High Blood Pressure Risk Factors

There are several factors that contribute the risk of an individual developing high blood pressure. Knowing your risk factors and controlling them can lower your risk of developing high blood pressure, thus improving your health.

Age

• According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. Men are likely to develop high blood pressure during early, middle age years while women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after menopause.

Race

• Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to develop high blood pressure than whites. Both races are also more likely to develop high blood pressure at an earlier age.

Salt Intake

• Consuming too much salt can cause the body to retain water, which increases blood pressure.

Obese and Overweight

• Being obese and overweight increases the amount of blood needed to supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. The pressure on artery walls increases as blood volume increases causing high blood pressure.

Stress

• High levels of stress, even brief periods of stress, can elevate blood pressure.