Seven Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
For the first time in 14 years, the American Heart Association changed their blood pressure guidelines. The new guidelines have lowered the number for what is considered high blood pr essure, also called hypertension. The result: Nearly half of American adults are now considered hypertensive.
“It is important to focus on what we all can do to keep our hearts in good shape, like kno wing our risk factors,” said Nima Amjadi, MD, cardiologist at Texas Heart & Vascular in Dripping Springs. “I tell my patients that while you can’t control all the factors that may increase your risk, closely monitoring your blood pressure may help prevent serious issues like heart attacks and stroke.”
Seven Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
1. Family history: Like many health conditions, if your parents or close blood relatives have high blood pressure, you can develop it, too. Be sure you and your family members notify your doctor if you have a family history of hypertension.
2. Age: As you get older, your risk increases. In fact, 65 percent of Americans o ver 60 have high blood pressure. Over time your blood vessels and arteries become stiff, causing increased pulse pressure.
“I recommend a blood pr essure screening at age 18, then every three to five years after that as long as it is normal,” said Dr. Amjadi. “Those 40 and older or those with an increased risk of high blood pressure need annual screenings.”
3. Race: Data shows that African Americans ar e at greater risk for high blood pr essure. Researchers think that African Americans may hav e a gene that makes the body mor e sensitive to salt, so consum - ing sodium causes a gr eater increase in their blood pressure.
4. Gender: Age and gender combined may influ - ence risk. Until the age of 45, men are more likely to have hypertension; from ages 45 to 64, the number of men and women with high blood pr essure is even. By age 65, women are more likely than men to have hypertension.
5. Weight: Extra weight may cause y our blood pressure to rise – the harder your heart has to work, the higher your blood pressure. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or mor e is consider ed obese, and a BMI between 25 and 30 means you are overweight. Dropping 10 to 20 pounds can lo wer your blood pressure.
6. Diet: The American Heart Association’s heart healthy diet recommends fruits, veggies, beans, lowfat dairy products, whole-grains, lean meats and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tr out. It’s best to limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and added sugars in your diet.
7. Sleep: Lack of sleep makes y our heart work harder. One study found that those who got fe wer than five hours of sleep a night for several years were twice as likely to develop hypertension as those who slept at least seven hours a night. Sleep apnea is also a major contributor to hypertension. However, popular treatment tools like continuous CPAP machines have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
“Knowing these risk factors that incr ease your chances of developing hypertension is the first step in protecting yourself,” said Dr. Amjadi.
About Dr. Nima Amjadi: Nima Amjadi, MD, Texas Heart & Vascular in Dripping Springs, (512) 623-5300, www.thandv.com. Nima Amjadi, MD, is triple boar d certified in car - diology. He attended St. George’s University School of Medicine. After medical school, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at University of Arizona’s St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center before moving to Southern California to complete his fellowship in cardiovascular disease and receive further training in interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular disease.