Am I At Risk Of High Blood Pressure?

Do you have elevated blood pressure (blood pressure that is slightly higher than normal)?

Do you eat a diet that is very high in sodium (an element in table salt) such as processed and restaurant foods?

Do you eat a diet that is very low in potassium (bananas, potatoes, beans, and yogurt)?

Are you physically inactive?

Are you obese (your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher)?

Do you drink too much alcohol (more than two drinks a day)?

Are you a smoker?

Do you have a family history of high blood pressure?

Are you African-American?

Do you have a high level of stress in your daily life?

Do you have kidney disease, diabetes or sleep apnea?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of high blood pressure. When your heart beats, it pushes blood into your blood vessels, and by doing so, it puts a certain amount of pressure on the walls of the arteries, which is called "blood pressure". Your blood pressure may increase or decrease slightly during the day, depending on whether you are sitting, walking, sleeping or running. A normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure or hypertension refers to blood pressure that is higher than normal. High blood pressure can increase your risk of serious heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a blood pressure higher than 120/80 mmHg. It usually has no symptoms and the only way to know if you have hypertension is to measure your blood pressure. High blood pressure develops during life as a result of choosing an unhealthy lifestyle. Certain health conditions such as obesity and diabetes can also increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. You can prevent hypertension by making positive lifestyle changes. Be physically active for at least half an hour a day, quit smoking and eat a healthy diet, including limiting sodium (salt).

Based on your answers you have a high risk of high blood pressure. Various factors can put you at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Some factors, such as your age, gender, heredity, cannot be influenced; while others, including certain lifestyle habits, can be changed. Understanding these risk factors can help you respond in a timely manner and prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure. Physical activity is great for your heart and blood vessels, so you should start exercising regularly. Improve your diet by reducing your intake of salt, calories, saturated and trans fats and sugars. Stress management techniques can also help.