Chronic hypertension risk factors

Hypertension Main page
Overview
Causes
Classification Primary Hypertension Secondary Hypertension Hypertensive Emergency Hypertensive Urgency
Screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Established risk factor for essential hypertension include increased alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks per day), increased salt intake in diet (more than 2 gm per day), obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise. All these risk factor are reversible.

Established Risk Factors

• Increased alcohol intake (more than 2 drinks per day)
• Increased salt intake in diet (more than 2 gm per day)
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise

Other Less Established Risk Factors for Hypertension

• Black race: Although more common among blacks, it is not clear if environmental factors (Increased salt intake, high cholesterol diet, lower socioeconomic status, stress) or race itself is the cause.
• Family history where parents are hypertensive
• Smoking is generally not considered an independent risk factor for hypertension, but is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
• High cholesterol diet
• Anxiety disorders
• Type A personality. People who are more commmonly impatient and have hostile attitudes may be at risk.