Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition that occurs when the force of blood against the walls of arteries is consistently high.

Hypertension can lead to a variety of serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, vision loss, and cognitive impairment. While hypertension is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. In this article, we’ll discuss these risk factors in detail.

Age

As people age, their risk for hypertension increases. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, nearly two-thirds of people over the age of 60 have high blood pressure.

This is because as we age, our blood vessels become less flexible, which increases the resistance to blood flow and raises blood pressure.

Family History

If hypertension runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure.

Genetics play a significant role in hypertension, and if your parents or siblings have hypertension, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk.

Obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension. People who are overweight or obese have a higher volume of blood that needs to be pumped by the heart, which increases the pressure on the arteries.

Additionally, obesity is often associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking, all of which can contribute to hypertension.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain, which as we’ve mentioned, is a significant risk factor for hypertension.

Exercise strengthens the heart and blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for optimal health.

Poor Diet

A diet high in sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol can increase the risk of developing hypertension. Conversely, a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to lower blood pressure.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is an eating plan that is specifically designed to lower blood pressure.

Stress

Stress and anxiety can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. However, if stress is chronic, it can contribute to the development of hypertension. Stress hormones can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure.

Additionally, people who are stressed may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol, all of which can contribute to hypertension.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.

Additionally, tobacco use is often associated with other unhealthy behaviors such as a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, both of which can contribute to hypertension.

Alcohol Consumption

While moderate alcohol consumption is often associated with health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to hypertension. Drinking too much alcohol can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure.

Additionally, alcohol is often associated with overeating and a sedentary lifestyle, which also increase the risk of hypertension.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for hypertension. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, the blood vessels can become damaged, which increases the risk of hypertension.

Additionally, people with diabetes often have other risk factors for hypertension such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Sleep Apnea

People with sleep apnea may be at a higher risk for hypertension. Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops and starts during sleep. This interruption in breathing can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which increases blood pressure.

Additionally, people with sleep apnea often have other risk factors for hypertension such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.