Why some people are more likely to have high blood pressure
High blood pressure and health risks
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects almost half of all adults in the United States.
According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.
High blood pressure is typically defined by a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 130 or greater or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or greater, according to AHA and American College of Cardiology guidelines.
Studies at Rutgers University
A recent study by scientists at Rutgers University found that younger men and older women are more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure despite taking medication.
The study used health data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018.
Among them were over 13,000 people who were being treated with medication for high blood pressure. Amazingly, 34% of the participants had uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Findings and Implications
Comparing men and women in 10-year age groups, researchers found that men in their 20s and 30s were more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure than women.
The difference peaked in their 30s. At age 40, men were still 47% more likely than women to have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
However, the odds of having uncontrolled high blood pressure were similar for both sexes in their 50s and 60s.
In contrast, women aged 70 and older had a 29% greater risk of having uncontrolled high blood pressure, and in their 80s and beyond, women were 63% more likely than men to have the problem.
The study suggests there is an urgent need to raise awareness about uncontrolled hypertension in older women and younger men. More research is needed to understand the causes of this phenomenon.
Risk factors for high blood pressure
Several risk factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure. The most common include:
- Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age.
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure are at higher risk.
- Race or ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans and Hispanics, are at higher risk.
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure, with postmenopausal women at increased risk.
- Lifestyle factors: A high-sodium diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking can increase risk.
- Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can increase your risk.
- Stress: Chronic stress can also contribute to high blood pressure.
It’s important to note that many people with high blood pressure may not show any symptoms, which is why regular blood pressure checks are essential, especially for people with risk factors.
If you are concerned about high blood pressure, consult a doctor and take health care measures, including following a healthy diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and following appropriate medication protocols.
If you are concerned about blood pressure, please read Studies on Cannabis Linked to Lowering Blood Pressure in the Elderly This common plant nutrient may help lower high blood pressure.
You can find more information on the topic of health in current studies on how to deal with high blood pressure. The results show that antimicrobials commonly found in toothpaste are linked to inflammation in the gut.
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