Do you know Hypertension can run in Families?

Hypertension refers to abnormally higher pressure in the arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Hypertension tends to run in families. Individuals whose parents have hypertension are always at the risk of developing this condition.

Moreover, if both the parents are affected, then there are higher chances that their child will be affected. Genetic forms of hypertension follow the inheritance pattern of the condition. A parent with a high blood pressure can pass along a gene to a child raising that individual’s risk of developing blood pressure. Here are some essential things to know about hypertension.

Overview of Hypertension

Blood pressure refers to the force of circulating blood against the inner wall of your arteries. It is usually measured in millimeters. According to leading health bodies, healthy blood pressure is a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg.

But if your overall blood pressure is more than that, doctors consider that you have high blood pressure. You can be in stage-1 or stage-2 hypertension. There is no doubt that inheritance and genetics play a crucial role in a person’s blood pressure. But there are other factors that can increase your blood pressure levels. Some of them are as follows:

• High sodium diet
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Obesity
• No physical activity
• Smoking
• Stress

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is pretty dangerous as it normally doesn’t have any symptoms. Measuring your blood pressure regularly is the only way to ascertain whether or not you have blood pressure.

Reasons behind Familial Hypertension

Recent research studies indicate that high blood pressure results from a wide variety of factors that includes genes, behavioral components and the environment. Familial BP scan occur from variations in tons of various genes.

In other words, it is impossible to identify the exact genes that are responsible for causing blood pressure. Smoking can increase the chances of developing hypertension drastically.

What to do if you have a Family History of Hypertension?

Being aware about your family’s medical history is crucial to stay healthy. If hypertension runs in your family, it is essential to communicate that with your doctor. The doctor will advise you to regularly monitor your blood pressure levels. If your family has a history of blood pressure, seeking prompt medical attention is always recommended.

Lifestyle Changes and Hypertension

If your blood pressure is at a normal level, you can make several lifestyle changes. On the contrary, if you are suffering from blood pressure, here are some steps you should always follow.

• Maintaining a moderate weight
• Staying active physically
• Cutting down alcohol consumption
• Avoid smoking

You can also implement various types of dietary changes to curb the growth of blood pressure. Undoubtedly, you can stay healthy with a balanced diet, lots of physical exercises, good sleep and disciplined lifestyle. To get relevant solutions on hypertension, contact a medical practitioner.