Hypertension Risk Factors.

Hypertension is sustained high blood pressure (higher than 140-190 mmHg). Risk factors for increasing blood pressure and thus developing hypertension (and more importantly why ):

Age - as we grow older, our arteries naturally undergo atherosclerosis (get lined with thick plaque, making them sticky) ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Genes/Family History - we may have genes that predispose our bodies towards a hypertensive state.
Smoking - smoking causes vasocontriction, making blood vessels tighter ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Male - males are tend to have higher blood pressure.
Obesity/Waist Circumference - excess weight causes increase cardiac output of the heart (the body is bigger and thus the heart has to work harder to supply the body with blood), increased stroke volume, and increased blood volume (again, more body so need more blood) ...which lead to increased blood pressure.
Birth Control (aka oral contraceptives) - increased estrogen activates the renin-angiotension system is the kidney ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
High Fat Diet - too much fat in the diet causes hyperlipidedemia, leading to blood vessels being clogged with fat ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Stress - The adrenal cortex when under stress secretes catecholamines (hormones) ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Sodium - For every molecule of sodium, two molecules of water are required. This excess requirement for water dehydrates the body ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Alcohol - Dehydrates the body and stimulates the sympathetic (i.e. alert) nervous system ...which leads to increased blood pressure.
Race - African Americans are more susceptible to sodium (they retain it more) ...which leads to increased blood pressure.

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