Hypertension Risk Factors

Although there is no one reason for developing hypertension, there are some indicators:

• Age - The risk of high blood pressure increases as you get older.
• Heredity - The risk of high blood pressure is greater if close relatives (especially parents) suffer from hypertension.
• Gender - Men are at a higher risk for hypertension in young adulthood and early middle age. Women are at a higher risk for hypertension after the age of 60.

Other risk factors are related to lifestyle:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Alcohol abuse
• High levels of stress

Two additional risk factors affect women:

• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as lead contaminated water and cadmium toxicity have been shown to promote hypertension. Sources of lead exposure include lead paint, shooting ranges, water contamination via municipal water supplies or household lead pipes. Sources of cadmium toxicity include industrial commercial paints and cigarettes. The best safeguard against lead and cadmium toxicity is to be an aware of their sources and to avoid them as much as possible.