Hypertension: Risk Factors, Types, and More
Published June 28, 2022
The measurement of the force of blood pushing against the arterial walls (blood vessels) when the heart pumps blood is termed "blood pressure." Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition when this blood pressure is exceptionally high. The higher the pressure, the more hypertensive a person becomes.
The normal blood pressure reading in individuals is 120/80 mmHg. A person is diagnosed as hypertensive when the readings are consistently above 140/ 90 mmHg.
High blood sugar, obesity, and hypertension are primary risk factors for many health conditions and chronic diseases, worldwide.
Types of Hypertension
The stages of hypertension may be classified into two types:
1. Primary Hypertension
Also known as essential or idiopathic hypertension, this type of high blood pressure does not have a defined or known cause. It is the most commonly identified type of hypertension in more than 95% of individuals with different causal factors in different people.
2. Secondary Hypertension
This type of hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, diabetes, and others. Frequent use of painkillers, birth control pills, illegal drugs, and alcohol have also been known to result in secondary hypertension.
Who Is Most at Risk for Hypertension?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 1.28 billion adults between the age group of 30-79 years are diagnosed with hypertension. While 46% are unaware that they have high blood pressure, less than 42% of the people are diagnosed and treated for it (1).
People are prone to hypertension as they get older; individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle, followed by an unhealthy diet, and have other medical conditions are also at a high risk of getting hypertension.
Understanding the Risk Factors of Hypertension
Hypertension is termed a "silent killer" because it goes undetected in many people. Being aware of the possibility of its occurrence and understanding the causes of high blood pressure can help prevent or lower its incidence. The major factors that can contribute to hypertension in individuals include the following:
Anxiety
Although there is much debate about this topic—and anxiety doesn't necessarily cause chronic hypertension—there may be a link between anxiety and high blood pressure.
Age
Aging induces numerous changes in the body, affecting the way it functions. With age, the blood vessels weaken or stiffen, which may cause blood pressure to rise. Over time, it can worsen, increasing the risk of other diseases and even premature death.
Obesity
An individual is considered obese when their body fat is >20% of their ideal body weight (2). It is well known that obesity causes high blood pressure. When a person is overweight, the heart works harder to pump blood through the body, which can increase blood pressure. Also, the accumulation of fat in the arterial walls narrows the flow of blood, which can again lead to hypertension.
This also leads into having an unhealthy diet, which can lead to obesity as well as hypertension.
Physical Inactiveness
Regular exercise improves blood circulation and lowers arterial stiffness to keep blood pressure normal. Though the mechanisms through which exercise lowers hypertension are still being studied, it is widely accepted that people with a sedentary lifestyle, i.e., little to no physical activity, are more prone to hypertension (3).
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Frequent consumption of alcohol can result in elevated blood pressure. Studies show that both men and women who are excessive or binge drinkers are prone to elevated levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, resulting in arterial hypertension (4).
Consumption of High-Sodium Foods
The WHO defines consumption of >5g/day of sodium as excessive. Too much salt increases water retention and induces resistance in blood flow (vascular resistance), which may result in hypertension (5).
Diabetes
High blood sugar, especially type 2 diabetes, has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Diabetes creates insulin resistance which leads to the hardening of arteries. This can result in high blood pressure which, if left untreated, can affect the functioning of the heart and kidneys.
Smoking
If you are addicted to cigarette smoking, chances are you may be hypertensive. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a chemical that can raise the heart rate, lower oxygen concentrations in blood, and lead to the hardening of arterial walls, potentially resulting in hypertension (6).
Genetics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that having hypertension in the genes can predispose a person to acquire it. Combined with other unhealthy lifestyle factors, the risk becomes multifold for individuals with a family history of hypertension (7).
Understanding the various factors that can cause hypertension can help prevent the dangers of high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Hypertension is a leading cause of many risk factors that can increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney damage, eye problems, and more. Awareness of this condition and its causal factors can help in treating and managing high blood pressure.
Choosing healthy lifestyle modifications, undergoing regular medical checkups, and consulting a doctor to understand the prevention and treatment of blood pressure can make this condition manageable for a healthy life.
Medical Disclaimer
Dario Health offers health, fitness, and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon. The information provided might not be accurate, full, complete, or effective. Accordingly, it is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. You are strongly advised to consult your physician or qualified health professional regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary.
Resources
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5038894/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624627/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29309408/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9162447/
- https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/risk_factors.htm
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