Could You Be At Risk For Hypertension?

Millions of people have hypertension (the proper medical label for the commonly named condition of High Blood Pressure) and it’s possible that an even greater number are at risk for the disease.


Blood Pressure Basics

Blood flows through the body in arteries with certain pressures if the body is operating normally.  The heart pumps and blood is forced out at a higher pressure named the systolic pressure.  The heart rests and the pressure decreases to what is measured as the diastolic pressure.  These two pressures are the readings taken during blood pressure tests. 

The health of the heart is crucial to blood pressure readings but the condition of the arteries is also very important.  A risk analysis for hypertension is generally very similar to the well known risks associated with heart disease. 

Family History

If there is a history of high blood pressure in the family, there is a substantially higher risk of hypertension for all family members.  The disease affects more people of African descent but can happen to anyone.  A simple check of the family medical history should establish if there is a higher risk of hypertension.  People at higher risk need to minimize the physical factors that increase high blood pressure risk. 

Body Weight

An excess of body weight, beyond that recommended for your height and sex, is a significant risk factor for hypertension and many other diseases.  There are three main consequences of having excess body weight as normally related to hypertension. 
   
1) Physical Strain – Excess weight strains the heart and other muscles as they perform normal bodily functions such as pumping blood, breathing or moving.  The heart compensates by pumping harder, raising the blood pressure and risking heart injury. 
2) Increased Fat/Cholesterol – The body has excess fat and usually elevated “bad” cholesterol levels that affect the heart and arteries by narrowing the size of the passages.  The arteries often stiffen as well.  Both conditions increase blood pressure and the risk of hypertension. 
3) Lack of Exercise – It is harder to exercise with extra body weight and the health of the heart and arteries may suffer.  Lack of exercise can contribute to hypertension.

Diet

A healthy diet, like a recommended weight, is linked to reducing risk in many diseases, and hypertension is included.  The primary dietary risk for hypertension is high salt consumption.  Excess salt in the body directly increases blood pressure and many foods are full of salt or related compounds such as MSG or baking soda.  Diet can also contribute to excess fat, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and not getting the proper vitamins or minerals essential to overall great health. 

Stress

Emotional and mental anxiety (stress) can have physical effects on the body that increase the risk of hypertension.  The heart works harder and risks injury.  The dietary and exercise habits of highly stressed individuals are usually very unhealthy.  Stressful home or work life generally creates an unhealthy lifestyle, which can lead to hypertension and many other diseases. 

IH would like to remind you to take care of yourself, for you and for your loved ones.