Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
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Knowing the risk factors for high blood pressure, or hypertension, is the first
step toward making sure your blood pressure is at a healthy level. There are
several risk factors for hypertension. Some are within your control and others
are simply a matter of genetics.
It does not matter what is causing or may cause you to have high blood pressure.
The important point is that if you know you are at risk you can take steps to
reduce the risk and keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
We have no control over our genes, our race or our age. These are three risk
factors for some people in developing high blood pressure. African Americans are
more likely to develop high blood pressure than whites. They also seem to
develop it at a younger age and have higher levels.
Age is a factor in blood pressure as well. The older you get, the more likely
you are to have higher blood pressure. Women usually don\'t have trouble with
hypertension until after menopause, unless they have a parent or other close
relative with it. Men will develop hypertension as they age, with the greatest
increases beginning between the ages of 35 and 55.
While race, age and genes are not something you can control there are several
risk factors for hypertension which you can control. The most important is
weight. Obesity leads to higher blood pressure especially in people with a body
mass index over 30.0. Contributing to obesity and high blood pressure is also a
lack of exercise. If you are inactive, you are more likely to be overweight and
therefore develop hypertension.
Our eating and drinking habits greatly impact blood pressure. Consuming too much
alcohol or salt on a regular basis also increases blood pressure. Not only
overeating, but what you eat will affect blood pressure in a good or bad way.
How much stress you have and how you deal with it can influence blood pressure
negatively. It is difficult to know how much stress a person is under, since
many people hold it in and may not even feel overly stressed when in reality
they are. When there is too much stress, other good habits are often sacrificed
to deal with
the current situation. For example, during a stressful period you may not get
enough sleep or exercise or may substitute good home cooked meals for high
sodium fast foods.
Any one of these risk factors alone can put blood pressure levels within a
dangerous range. When you couple the risk factors with one another, your problem
grows exponentially. This means that if you are overweight, inactive and have a
family history of hypertension, you are at a much higher risk than someone with
only heredity working against them. It would be wise for anyone with the
non-controllable risk factors of race, heredity, or age to keep stay physically
active, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the amount of alcohol and sodium
they consume. It is also important to eat a proper diet that will support a
healthy blood pressure. Specific nutrients help reduce blood pressure even in
those who are genetically predisposed to hypertension.
Learn how to reduce the risk factors for developing high blood pressure and keep
your blood pressure at a healthy level:
The
Blood Pressure Miracle
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Frank Mangano is an active member of his community
who works diligently providing assistance to senior citizens
and probing as a health advocate to discover new and innovative
ways to promote well being. Find out how you can maintain
healthy blood pressure at: The
Blood Pressure Miracle
Discover many more safe and effective methods that will make a positive impact on your blood pressure level: The Blood Pressure Miracle
