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Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
Posted: Feb. 1, 2008
Your chances of developing high blood pressure are higher if you:
- Are overweight
- Are a man over the age of 45
- Are a woman over the age of 55
- Have a family history of high blood pressure
- Have prehypertension (that is, blood pressure in the 120–139/80–89 mmHg range)
In the United States, high blood pressure occurs more often in African Americans than in Caucasians. Compared to other groups, African Americans:
- Tend to get high blood pressure earlier in life
- Usually have more severe high blood pressure
- Have a higher death rate from stroke, heart disease and kidney failure
Many people get high blood pressure as they get older. Over half of all Americans aged 60 and older have high blood pressure.
Other things that can raise blood pressure include:
- Eating too much salt
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not getting enough potassium in your diet
- Not doing enough physical activity
- Taking certain medicines
- Having long-lasting stress
- Smoking (smoking can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure)
Source: National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute
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