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Thursday 6 March 2014

HIGH RISK FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Certain traits, conditions, or habits are known to raise the risk for HBP. These conditions are called risk factors. This section describes the major risk factors for HBP. Older Age Blood pressure tends to rise with age. If you are a male older than 45 or a female older than 55, your risk for HBP is higher. Over half of all Americans aged 60 and older
have HBP. Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is the most common form of HBP in older adults. ISH occurs when only systolic blood pressure (the top number) is high. About 2 out of 3 people over age 60 who have HBP have ISH. HBP doesnt have to be a routine part of aging. You can take steps to keep your blood pressure at a normal level.

Race/Ethnicity

HBP can affect anyone. However, it occurs more often in African American adults than in Caucasian or Hispanic American adults. Overweight or Obesity Youre more likely to develop Pre-hypertension or HBP if youre overweight or obese. Overweight is having extra body weight from muscle, bone, fat, and/or water. Obesity is having a high amount of extra body fat.
Gender Fewer adult women than men have HBP. But, younger women (aged 18-59) are more likely than men to be aware of and get treatment for HBP. Women aged 60 and older are as likely as men to be aware of and treated for HBP. However, among treated women aged 60 and older, blood pressure control is lower than it is in men in the same age group. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
A number of life-style habits can raise your risk for HBP, including:

Eating too much sodium (salt).
Drinking too much alcohol.              
Not getting enough potassium in your diet.
Not doing enough physical activity.
Smoking.

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