The good news is that high blood pressure is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors that can be controlled. Also, if you don't already have high blood pressure, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of developing high blood pressure. If one or both of your parents have high blood pressure, you are more likely to have it. Race High blood pressure occurs four times more often in African Americans than in other races. Age High blood pressure often develops in the 30's and 40's.
Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict.
This makes your heart work harder and also puts strain on your blood vessels. Chemicals in cigarette smoke make your blood more sticky and more likely to clot. For women, the combination of smoking and taking birth control pills can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Overweight High fat and high calorie diets can lead to excess weight and obesity, which puts more stress on your heart. Excess Alcohol Drinking 3 or more drinks of alcohol per day may contribute to high blood pressure.