Decreasing the risk of hypertension means considering many factors like family history. Is high blood pressure genetic? Let’s find out.
There are various factors that increase the risk of developing hypertension such as health conditions, lifestyle, and family history. However, while genetics do play a role in high blood pressure, there are things you can manage to decrease risk.
Among the various risk factors, elevated blood pressure is a sign that you need to take care of your health. If your blood pressure is between 120/80-129/80 mm Hg, it means your risk of developing hypertension doubles.
Furthermore, if you have diabetes, sugars build up in the blood and increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease. If you have diabetes or another condition, talk to your doctor about how it affects your chances of developing hypertension.
Lifestyle Changes
While something like genetics is out of your control, the good news is that changes to your lifestyle are doable. By practicing healthy lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk of high blood pressure and improve your overall health.
Healthy Diet
For example, by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you can lower your blood pressure and energy levels. Conversely, diets with too much sodium or low amounts of potassium increase your risk of high blood pressure.
Physical Activity
Another risk factor is living a sedentary life with a lack of regular physical activity. By exercising regularly, you can strengthen your heart and blood vessels as well as lowering blood pressure levels.
Obesity
Obesity is another risk factor since excess body fat makes it harder for your heart to pump blood and oxygen. Furthermore, it is linked to high LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which increase plaque buildup in your arteries.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Men should have no more than two drinks daily and women only one – otherwise, they risk increasing their blood pressure. In addition, tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels while nicotine raises blood pressure, so don’t smoke.
Genetics and High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition that can run in the family and affect your risk of developing it. While this factor may be out of your hands, it’s still important to know if you have it if you want to prepare accordingly.
It’s true that genes do play a role in high blood pressure, but a family history of hypertension may also involve environmental factors. For example, family members may experience similar stressful situations or be exposed to similar unhealthy habits.
To get an accurate picture of your risk, the CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics collaborated with the Surgeon General and other federal agencies to create My Family Health Portrait. This web-based tool can help you determine your risk for certain conditions and how to decrease your risk.
If you want to do something that is within your control, take HeartBeet Complete, an effective heart-health supplement. Its ingredients promote healthy circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. Try HeartBeet Complete along with exercise and healthy eating to boost your chances of maintaining healthy blood pressure.
