Risk factors for high blood pressure

Risk factors for high blood pressure (hypertension) include:

  • Family history of high blood pressure.
  • Increased age.
  • Being African-American.
  • Inactivity.
  • Diabetes.
  • Being overweight.
  • Sensitivity to salt.
  • Drinking alcohol excessively.
  • Not consuming enough potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: September 1, 2006
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology

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