Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Did you know that May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month? Now is a great time to get educated on what exactly blood pressure is and what effects it. Blood pressure is the strength of blood pushing through your blood vessels.

High blood pressure, known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the blood vessels is too high on a consistent basis. It is estimated that 50% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure. However, this number may be higher as some people are likely not even aware of their blood pressure. That is why regular check-ups with your physician are important, it is the best way to keep track of your blood pressure.

There are many risk factors that impact your blood pressure. Some of these are controllable, while others, like genetics, are uncontrollable. It is important to know what your risk factors are so that you can make changes accordingly.

Blood Pressure Values

Blood pressure values can be very confusing, especially with no context and just numbers. Systolic blood pressure is the upper number, it is the pressure that happens as blood pumps out of the heart. Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number, it is the pressure that comes from the heart resting between beats.

Below are the values of different blood pressure categories:

Normal: A systolic of less than 120 and a diastolic of less than 80.
Elevated: A systolic of 120-129 and a diastolic of less than 80.
High blood pressure (Hypertension) stage 1: A systolic of 130-139 or a diastolic of 80-89.
High blood pressure (Hypertension) stage 2: A systolic of 140 or higher or a diastolic of 90 or higher.
Hypertensive crisis: A systolic higher than 180 and/or a diastolic of higher than 120.

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors

As with most medical conditions, there are controllable risk factors and uncontrollable risk factors. Read the risk factors listed below to know your own risk.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

Family History: If your family has a history of high blood pressure, you’re at a higher risk for hypertension too.

Age: Risk for high blood pressure increases with age. This is due to blood vessels losing elasticity.

Gender: Men are more likely than woman to develop high blood pressure until age 64 years old. Starting at age 65 years old, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Race: African Americans have higher blood pressure more than any other racial group in the US.

Controllable Risk Factors:

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity increases your chance of developing high blood pressure. Being active and regular physical activity promotes heart and circulatory health.

High Sodium Intake: Too much sodium intake raises your risk, however, a healthy intake can help lower your blood pressure.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy use of alcohol not only can cause a dramatic increase in your risk for high blood pressure but puts you at an increased risk for other health issues.

Smoking: Increases your risk for high blood pressure by causing damage to your arteries.

Healthy blood pressure is imperative to good health. It is directly related to the health of your heart and circulatory system. High blood pressure causes the heart and blood pressure to do more work. As high blood pressure stays present, the damage to blood vessels increases and can lead to atherosclerosis, disease of the arteries. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure, learn your risk, and find strategies to help manage it.

Your Turn to Take Action: What are you going to do to lower your risk for developing heart disease? Let me know in the comments below.