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Understanding the Risk Factors of High Blood Pressure
by John Bradstreet
High blood pressure, or hypertension, as it is commonly referred to, affects over 60 million Americans. Over the last decade it has seen a 30% increase in known cases. Because many people are unaware of their condition it is often termed the silent killer. While in 90 to 95% of cases the exact cause goes unknown we do know that is associated with some other diseases such as diabetes. We do know that certain risk factors play a role in the development of high blood pressure.
HOW DOES AGE AND GENDER FACTOR IN?
As we grow older our blood pressure increases. This is true for both men and women making it one of the leading risk factors for hypertension. Some estimate that among people over 60 years of age nearly two thirds suffer from hypertension. Women have higher rates than their male counterparts and also suffer from a higher mortality rate. In recent years we have also seen an increased incidence in our children and teenagers. Some believe this is associated with the increase in obesity among this age group.
YOUR ETHNIC BACKGROUND ALSO PLAYS A FACTOR
If you are of African American decent you are at higher risk than Caucasians. African Americans have 1.8 times the rate of fatal stroke, 1.5 times the rate of fatal heart disease and 4.2 times the rate of end-stage kidney disease. Hypertension affects 34% of African American men and women and accounts for 40% of deaths in this group.
African Americans have the highest rate of hypertension in the world. The rate among Caucasians, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans runs between 24% and 27%. The rate among Asians however is the lowest. In this group 9.7% of men and 8.4% of women are affected. In light of low figures it is surprising to find that 75% of older Japanese American men are afflicted.
There are several theories trying to explain these differences in rates but it is evident that treatment for hypertension is lacking in major minority groups. This is evident by the higher mortality rates from heart disease.
THE ROLE WEIGHT PLAYS AS A RISK FACTOR
You are at risk of high blood pressure if you are overweight. Approximately one third of all people that suffer from hypertension are overweight. There seem to be a direct link between weight gain as we age and increased incidence of high blood pressure. It is interesting to note that in some cultures age is not associated with weight gain or hypertension. Our children who are going through an epidemic of obesity will be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they age.
One interesting side note is that thin people with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of stroke and heart attack than obese people that have it. Some theorize that thin people with high blood pressure are more at risk of having enlarged hearts and hardening of the arteries thus posing additional risk.
Babies with low birth weight are more likely to develop high blood pressure both in childhood and as adults. Girls are more prone to this than boys. There have been studies done that suggest breast feeding these babies can reduce the risk. In another study it was shown that low birth weight can increase stress hormones that may be associated with hypertension later in life. Low birth weight is also associated with obesity later in life which could be another contributing factor.
DIABETES AS A RISK FACTOR
Research has identified a strong correlation between insulin resistance and high blood pressure. This is true both in people with or without diabetes. Up to 75% of cardiovascular problems in diabetics are due to high blood pressure. It is not clear to researchers at this point which condition is actually responsible for causing the other. People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should reduce their blood pressure to less than 130/80 mmHg in order to protect the heart. In people with diabetes lowering systolic pressure may be of particular importance.
HOW DOES FAMILY AND HEREDITY FACTOR IN?
People with spouses that have high hypertension are more likely to develop it themselves. In is believed that dietary and environmental factors come into play here.
It is believed that 30 to 60% of all cases of hypertension are inherited. One interesting fact is that if you have a brother or sister with premature coronary disease it is a greater risk factor than if your mother or father had it. A family history of heart disease is a major risk factor of having hypertension in people over the age of 65.
Although we do not know the specific reasons for high blood pressure in specific cases we do recognize the factors that increase risk of developing it. If you know you have increased risk factors you should speak to your doctor about being tested. He or she will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your particular situation.
About the Author
John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He is committed to a healthy lifestyle through natural means. To learn more about high blood pressure we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. Or you can subscribe to our Vitamin and Supplement blog where you will find information on topics concerning natural supplementation
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