Are You At Risk? High Blood Pressure Risk Factors You Can’t Control

Almost 86 million Americans have high blood pressure, making it the most common risk factor for heart disease. Talk to your physician about the following risks and what you can do to lower your blood pressure.

Age
Your risk increases as you grow older in part because your arteries lose some of their flexibility.

Race
African-Americans have a higher risk than any other racial background in the United States.

Family History
Your risk is higher if your parents or a close blood relative have had high blood pressure.

Gender
Until age 45, men are more likely to have high blood pressure. After age 65, women are more likely to have the disease.

Risk factors that you can control include being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, lack of exercise and eating a diet high in sodium.

Source: American Heart Association