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High Blood Pressure — Know the Risks

Posted: Nov. 1, 2006

Since high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, the only way to know if it is high is to have it checked.

High blood pressure is a common and serious public health problem that affects about 30 percent of the U.S. adult population. High blood pressure, especially if untreated, can result in mortality and morbidity because of the complications of end-stage renal disease, coronary artery disease and/or stroke.

Risk factors for high blood pressure include:

  • A family history of high blood pressure
  • African American ancestry
  • Age 65 years or older
  • Overweight or obesity
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Excess intake of dietary sodium and/or insufficient intake of potassium
  • Excess consumption of alcohol

Many factors contribute to poor control of blood pressure, such as lack of knowledge of the potential consequences, cost of managing a lifelong condition and complexity of disease management.

Family history of high blood pressure

Having one or more close family members with high blood pressure before the age of 60 means you have two times the risk of having it also.

A strong family history means you have three or more relatives who had high blood pressure before age 60.

If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you should get your blood pressure checked at least once a year. Remember to eat healthy foods, use less salt, exercise, lose weight if needed and stop smoking.

Being treated for high blood pressure

High blood pressure is almost always a life-long condition requiring ongoing medical evaluation and treatment. It is important to stay under a physician’s care.

Treatment usually includes some dietary recommendations and medication.

The preferred diet emphasizes eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and less sodium and fat.

If you are receiving treatment, it is important to take the medications prescribed for you. Finding the best treatment for each person takes time and what works for one person may not work for another.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


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