Hypertension

Q: Is Anyone More Likely to Have Hypertension?

Though none of the following means a person is certain to be affected by hypertension, the following are risk factors to be aware of: age, race, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco Chewing or smoking, sodium, potassium, and drinking too much alcohol.

Our doctors provide their patients with expert care in the diagnosis of and treatment of hypertension, as well as many other heart-related conditions. For a personalized consultation regarding cardiology-related issues that may be affecting your life, call our office to schedule an appointment today.

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What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition in which the long-term force of the blood against a person’s artery walls is high enough to potentially cause health problems like heart disease. Hypertension typically develops over a number of years and affects almost everyone to one degree or another.

High blood pressure can be present in a person for years without evidence of symptoms. Heart attack and stroke can occur suddenly in the absence of getting a routine checkup and self-monitoring. In spite of its dangers, hypertension can be easily detected and controlled with a doctor’s guidance.

High Blood Pressure

When your blood pressure stays high over time, it causes the heart to pump harder and work overtime, possibly leading to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. There are usually no symptoms from high blood pressure until it has caused serious health problems. Find out what you can do to control it.

High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Some women have high blood pressure during pregnancy. This can put the mother and her baby at risk for complications during the pregnancy and cause problems during and after delivery. The good news is that high blood pressure is preventable and treatable. Learn how to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy.

What Causes Hypertension?

Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause and tends to develop gradually over many years. Secondary hypertension is caused by some underlying condition and usually appears suddenly. Some of those underlying conditions can include:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Adrenal gland tumors
Thyroid problems
Kidney problems
Medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, cold remedies, birth control pills and some prescription drugs
Congenital defects in blood vessels
Illegal drugs such as cocaine
Chronic alcohol use

High Blood Pressure and Older Adults

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. About 75% of adults over the age of 60 have high blood pressure. It can often be lowered by changing day-to-day habits and by taking medication if needed. Learn how changes in lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can also help.

High Blood Pressure and Your Kidneys

Adults with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent kidney problems, including keeping your blood pressure under control. Learn how high blood pressure affects your kidneys, the risk factors for developing CKD, and what you can do to stay healthy.

Is Anyone More Likely to Have Hypertension?

Though none of the following mean a person is certain to be affected by hypertension, the following are risk factors to be aware of:

Age High blood pressure is more common among men 45 and older. In women, it is most common after the age of 65.
Race Blacks are more prone to hypertension and at an earlier age than whites. Related complications such as kidney failure, stroke and heart attacks are also more common among African Americans.
Family history
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Tobacco Chewing or smoking tobacco immediately raises blood pressure temporarily. The long-term effect of tobacco use is damage to the lining of artery walls.
Sodium Too much salt in a person’s diet often causes their body to retain fluid, which, in turn, raises blood pressure.
Potassium A shortage of potassium may cause the accumulation of too much sodium in the blood.
Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D can affect the enzyme produced by your kidneys that regulates blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol

Blood Pressure Medicines

One in three adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and need to take medications to keep it at a healthy level. There are various medicines that are currently available to treat high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and beta blockers. Learn about the different medications available and how they work.

Get Screened to Stop High Blood Pressure from Creeping Up on You

Hypertension is a silent killer, so don’t let it go unnoticed. By your 60s, you’re more likely to have it than not, so getting on board with prevention now is your best strategy. Learn more about high blood pressure.

Medically Reviewed By

Harry Gruenspan, MD, PhD

Board Certified Endocrinologist, Internal Medicine & Metabolism

Medically Reviewed By

David M. Kaufman, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Specialists

Harry Gruenspan, MD, PhD

Noor Taied, DO

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