An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of high blood pressure.
During the last decade, the number of Americans with high blood pressure has increased by 30%. More than 73 million Americans age 20 years and older (1 in 3 adults) now have high blood pressure, and this condition affects close to 1 billion people worldwide. About 20 - 30% of people with high blood pressure are unaware that they have it.
People who are diagnosed with prehypertension (blood pressure ranges from 120 - 139 / 80 - 89mm Hg are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
Age is the major risk factor of hypertension. Blood pressure increases with age in both men and women, and, in fact, the lifetime risk for hypertension is nearly 90%. The risks for high blood pressure increases in men over age 45 and women over age 55. Over half of Americans over age 60 have hypertension. Hypertension is also becoming more common in children and teenagers. Among younger people, boys are at higher risk for high blood pressure than girls.
Compared to Caucasians and other ethnic groups, African-Americans are much more likely to have high blood pressure. More than 40% of African-American men and women have hypertension. It may account for over 40% of all deaths in this group. High blood pressure tends to start at a younger age among African-Americans, is often more severe, and causes greater risks for premature death from heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.
People with parents or other close relatives who have high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing it themselves.
About a third of patients with high blood pressure are overweight. Even moderately obese adults have double the risk of hypertension than people with normal weights. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for high blood pressure when they reach adulthood.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing halts briefly but repeatedly during sleep, is present in many patients with hypertension. The relationship between sleep apnea and hypertension has been thought to be largely due to obesity, but studies are finding a higher rate of hypertension in people with sleep apnea regardless of their weight.
Smoking. Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure.
Salt and Potassium. Eating too much salt (sodium) can increase the risk for developing high blood pressure in some people. Similarly, a diet that is too low in potassium can make the body accumulate too much sodium. Sodium and potassium are important regulators of fluid balance in cells.
Alcohol. Chronic heavy alcohol use can increase blood pressure. Women may be more sensitive than men to the blood pressure effects of alcohol.
Physical Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of becoming overweight.
Stress. Mental and emotional stress can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. Chronic stress can lead to engaging in unhealthy behaviors (overeating, smoking, alcohol use, lack of exercise) that contribute to high blood pressure.
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