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May 08, 2006
Who Is At Risk for High Blood Pressure?
by marcusm
 About 65 million American adults—nearly 1 in 3—have high blood pressure.In the United States, high blood pressure occurs more often in African Americans than in Caucasians. Compared to other groups, African Americans: * Tend to get high blood pressure earlier in life * Usually have more severe high blood pressure * Have a higher death rate from stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure Many people get high blood pressure as they get older. Your chances of developing high blood pressure are also higher if you: * Are overweight * Are a man over the age of 45 * Are a woman over the age of 55 * Have a family history of high blood pressure * Have prehypertension (that is, blood pressure in the 120–139/80–89 mmHg range) Other things that can raise blood pressure include: * Eating too much salt * Drinking too much alcohol * Not getting enough potassium in your diet * Not doing enough physical activity * Taking certain medicines * Having long-lasting stress * Smoking (smoking can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure) What Causes High Blood Pressure? In many people with high blood pressure, a single specific cause is not known. This is called essential or primary high blood pressure. Research is ongoing to find the causes of essential high blood pressure. In some people, high blood pressure is the result of another medical problem or medicine. When the cause is known, this is called secondary high blood pressure. Other Names for High Blood Pressure General * HBP * Hypertension * HTN Caused by Another Condition * Secondary hypertension Other * Essential hypertension * Primary hypertension * Idiopathic hypertension |
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