Some risk factors are predetermined.
Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at a younger age than women.
Women are at a higher risk after age 60. African-Americans are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. If you have high blood pressure that's caused by an inherited condition or other risk factors beyond your control, you may need medication to control your condition. However, lifestyle changes are also an important step in keeping your blood pressure under control, and most high blood pressure medications are more effective when combined with those changes. High blood pressure is often related to lifestyle factors.