You’re probably familiar with the factors that you can control to avoid hypertension – obesity, smoking, poor diet and so on. But what about the factors that are beyond your control?

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Genetic inheritance
If you have a family history of high blood pressure, your inborn genetic make-up increases your risk. Premature heart attack or stroke in a parent or sibling puts you at risk.  That is before the age of 45 for a man, and before the age of 55 for a woman.

If you had a father, brother or son who suffered a stroke or heart attack before the age of 45, or a sister or daughter who did so before the age of 55, you should speak to your doctor. Heredity doesn’t mean you’re doomed, but it does mean you should modify your lifestyle.

Sex: Male versus female
Initially men are more at risk than women. Risk for women increases during pregnancy and after reaching menopause.  In fact, women’s’ risk equals that of men by age 55 – 64.  After the age of 65 years, some women are even more at risk than their male counterparts.

Body shape
The typical female body shape that distresses many women, is associated with lower risk in premenopausal women.  Called ‘pear-shaped, it means that extra weight is carried around the hips and thighs.
Men tend to be more ‘apple-shaped’, carrying excess fat around the belly and this can make them more prone to heart disease. 

Age
Your risk is greater after age 35, although a healthy lifestyle can minimise the effect.  This increase in risk with age is much more pronounced in our Western society. The main culprit is thought to be arteriosclerosis.  This hardening and narrowing of the arteries, due to fatty deposits in the inner layer, is attributable to our diet and lifestyle habits.

Men are more likely to have hypertension than women, but once women reach menopause, they run the same risk.

Race
People of African descent have an increased risk for high blood pressure.  The hypertension also tends to be more severe.  These patients are often found to be very salt-sensitive.

Dr Kathleen Coetzee

Read more:
Wise food choices
Cholesterol – the timebomb in your body

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