Hypertension risk

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood against the blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure can lead to serious complications, like stroke or heart attack, and even death. Thus, knowing your hypertension risk is important to understanding your chances of developing high blood pressure. While some factors contributing to hypertension risk cannot be controlled, others are modifiable and can lower someone’s chances of hypertension.
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Someone’s hypertension risk will consider the following:
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Increased blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure falls between 120/80 mmHg and 129/80 mmHg. Although high, this is not yet considered hypertension.
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Diabetes. Roughly 60% of individuals with diabetes have high blood pressure.
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Obesity. Having excess fat means the heart has to work harder to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body, increasing blood pressure.
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Diet. Diets high in sodium and low in potassium can increase someone’s chances of hypertension.
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Physical activity. Routine exercise lowers blood pressure and keeps the cardiovascular system healthy.
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Smoking and alcohol. Tobacco use and too much alcohol can increase someone’s hypertension risk.