Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes & Risk Factors

Nearly 60 million people age 6 years old and older have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to KidsHealth.org. Hypertension can lead to strokes and organ and tissue damage. Some causes of hypertension are due to genetics while others are due to lifestyle choices.

Family History

• High blood pressure can run in families. High blood pressure can be passed on through parents and close blood relatives.

Age

• Advanced age can contribute to high blood pressure because blood vessels lose flexibility causing increased pressure in the body's system.

Gender

• According to the American Heart Association, between men and women aged 45 years old and younger, men are more likely to get high blood pressure. Men and women between the ages of 45 and 64 years old have similar percentages of high blood pressure. Between men and women 65 years and older, women are more likely to get high blood pressure.

Diet &Exercise

• Poor diet and exercise can lead to high blood pressure. Diets high in salt, fats, sugars, calories or alcohol can lead to high blood pressure

Weight

• Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure because excess weight raises blood cholesterol and lowers HDL, the "good" cholesterol levels.