Hypertension increases with age and is more common in men than women at younger ages, but in older age it becomes more common in women than men.² A variety of risk factors can influence hypertension including:
- Obesity
- Diet to include high sodium intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- High stress environment
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Age
- Race or ethnicity
- Presence of diabetes
- Presence of prehypertension (120-139/80-90 mmHg)
It is imperative to be aware of these risk factors as high blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to a lack of signs and symptoms. Blood pressure is classified for adults into the following categories:
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic BP (mm Hg) | Diastolic BP (mm Hg) |
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Prehypertension | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| Hypertension | Greater than 140 | Greater than 90 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | 160 or higher | 100 or higher |
Most often prehypertension is caused by the risk factors previously mentioned, however actual hypertension can also be the result of an underlying disorder in addition to the stated risk factors. Examples of an underlying disorder include the following:
- Narrowing of certain arteries
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Use of medications, drugs or other chemicals
- Pregnancy
- Use of oral contraceptives, antihistamines, steroids, antidepressants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs