High blood pressure is a very common problem that affects approximately 50 million people in the United States alone. It is more common as people grow older.1
The exact causes of most cases of high blood pressure have not been identified; however, several traits or risk factors increase the likelihood of high blood pressure.
There are traits or factors that are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Major non-modifiable risk factors include age or diabetes. However, some risk factors can be modified and these include smoking, stress, overweight, physical inactivity and intake of too many fatty or salty foods.
Yes. If one (or both) of your parents has high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it than if your parents have normal blood pressure.
People with high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications than non-diabetic patients with high blood pressure. That is why it is especially important for this patient group to control their blood pressure effectively.
Cigarette smoking and excessive psychological stress are two major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and together with high blood pressure they accelerate a patients risk of developing a cardiovascular event. You can find ideas and suggestions on how to reduce these risk factors on this website.
1. American Stroke Association/American Heart Association. Heart disease and stroke statistics – 2005 update. American Heart Association.
