Hypertension Risk Factors

Everyone takes risks all of the time; even crossing a busy road can put you at risk. In fact, many heavy smokers and drinkers will tell you that you could be run over by a bus at any time, when their excessive habit is commented upon.

But it is your duty to look after the body you have been given. Because you only have one chance at life, to throw it away by over indulging in alcohol or cigarettes is sacrilege.

Statistics that have been compiled relating to hypertension or high blood pressure will inform you that up to 20% of the world’s population could be victims of this condition. This is why heart disease and strokes are two of the biggest killers in the world today. Most heart attacks and strokes are caused by hypertension. Two of the main hypertension risk factors are smoking and alcohol abuse.

Therefore, to control high blood pressure and avoid becoming another statistic a number of actions need to be taken.

Firstly, regular exercise is important. A 30 minute walk 4 or 5 times a week could be a start. Walking, swimming and cycling are the type of exercise that would benefit your blood pressure. The human body is designed for mobility and flexibility. Therefore, you are not mobile if you always sit in front of the TV, smoking and drinking which can be a common habit for many. If your mobility was taken from you at any time it would be disastrous so why take it for granted?

There are a number of other hypertension risk factors that also need to be taken into account which are equally important. For instance: high salt intake, obesity and the fact that your hypertension could be hereditary. If high blood pressure is in your family history it could affect you.

To get advice and find out if you are a sufferer you must visit your doctor and take notice of the advice that you are given.

If you choose not to visit your doctor, then you could have a priest visiting you instead!