A diagnosis of high blood pressure is made when a person has two or more elevated readings after the initial assessment. High blood pressure plays a role in about 700,000 deaths a year from stroke, heart and kidney disease .
Men are generally at greater risk than women until women reach menopause.
From menopause on the risk of hypertension for women increases and eventually exceeds that of men. African Americans are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure than Caucasians. Overweight persons run a significant risk of developing high blood pressure. Exercise not only reduces the incidence of high blood pressure, it also improves overall mortality. Diets high in saturated fats are known to contribute to elevations in blood pressure.