High Blood Pressure - are you at risk?

What are the risk factors for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Risk factors are characteristics that may increase your chance for developing a condition. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop the condition. You are at increased risk for developing hypertension if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older
• Have a family history of hypertension
• Are of African-American descent
• Are overweight or obese
• Are a smoker
• Lack exercise or don't get enough physical activity
• Consume excessive amounts of alcohol (on a regular basis - defined as 3 or more drinks/day for a man or 2 or more drinks/day for a woman)
• Use oral contraceptives (birth control)
• Have a high salt intake and low potassium intake in your diet