What are risk factors of hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately one in three adults in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. A blood pressure higher than 139/89 mmHg represents hypertension. Prolonged hypertension damages the arteries, causing narrowing and loss of elasticity, or arteriolosclerosis. Arteriolosclerosis often leads to potentially life-threatening complications, including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Risk factors for hypertension can be inherited or acquired. Acquired risk factors are usually modifiable.
