There are some risk factors for high blood pressure you can’t control:
Age: People over 35 have increased risk for high blood pressure.
Race: African-Americans have a higher incidence of high blood pressure.
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with high blood pressure increases your risk.
Risk factors for high blood pressure you can control:
Obesity: Extra body weight taxes the cardiovascular system, making it work harder to pump blood.
Sedentary Lifestyle:Exercise increases the heart's efficiency. Lack of activity causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, increasing blood pressure.
Smoking:Smoking causes the arteries to narrow, increasing blood pressure.
Excess Sodium: A diet with too much sodium can lead to fluid retention, increasing blood volume.
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