9 Factors That Make You Vulnerable To Hypertension

High Blood Pressure also known as ‘silent killer’ in parts of the Africa continent is a global menace that has commanded several research works aimed at combating the disease. Statistics available shows many people with the disease are not aware that they have it in their body.

Some people are more at a risk of suffering from hypertension, and it is interesting to know more about the factors that make one more vulnerable to the disease.

Hereditary
It could be in the family. Similarly, if one has a family history of hypertension, one is more likely to suffer from the same. In some cases it could be as a result of certain family practices like feeding habits, choice of food intake, etc.

Sedentary living
If one is not physically active, the risk of contracting hypertension increases because the heart is required to pump harder, and this makes the force on arteries higher as well.

Age
As one ages, the risk of high blood pressure increases as well. So for men, if they are above 45 years of age, they are at a higher risk of suffering from hypertension. Similarly, if women are over 65 years of age, they are equally at the risk of suffering from hypertension.

Obesity
And being overweight also makes one more vulnerable towards suffering from hypertension because if one is overweight, more blood needs to be pumped for supply to blood vessels.

Tobacco Consumption
Tobacco is a type of narcotic and its high consumption is related with high blood pressure. Not only does tobacco increases the heart rate with immediate effect, but it also increases the risk of damage to the arteries.

Excessive Consumption Of Salt
Consumption of too much salt in one's diet causes the body to retain water, and this too can increase the blood pressure. In the same regard, it is very important for one to get the right amount of potassium in one's diet, and that is because potassium balances the sodium in one's body. When one does not get the right amount of potassium in one's diet, one tends to accumulate too much sodium in the blood.

Chronic Conditions
If one suffers from certain chronic condition, these too might aggravate the risk of high blood pressure. Some of such conditions are kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.

Shortage of Vitamin D in Diet
One needs to take care that one gets the right amount of Vitamin D in one's diet. Vitamin D can affect an enzyme produced by the kidneys, and that can have a direct influence on the blood pressure. Mushroom, eggs and dairy products are some good sources of Vitamin D.

Too Much Stress
High stress levels too are attributed to a temporary increase in the blood pressure. If one tries to beat the stress by use of tobacco, alcohol or a high diet, this may work towards aggravating the condition.

There are ways to mitigate against all these factors if there is a willingness to achieve healthy living. Lifestyles that poses treat to healthy living should be avoided like plague, and proper attention should also be given to foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.  

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