What's the association between Hypertension and Family History?

Several studies have established a link between hypertension (high blood pressure) and family history. A family history of hypertension means that you have someone in your family (a blood relative) – either or both of your parents and /or siblings – who have or had high blood pressure before age 60. The more members with hypertension you have in your family, the stronger is your family history of hypertension.

Hypertension tends to run in families due to a number of reasons. Blood relatives or family members tend to share genes, habits, environment, and lifestyle, which can predispose an individual to hypertension and underlying conditions.

Why does a family history of hypertension matter?

Anyone with a family history of hypertension is at risk of developing the condition. If you have one or more blood relatives with elevated blood pressure before age 60, then the chances of you getting high blood pressure are twice as high. The chances are even greater if the number of family members having hypertension is more than three. However, understand that having a family history of hypertension does not necessarily mean you will have high blood pressure. It only makes you prone to the condition.

A family history of hypertension is also linked to several other risk factors for stroke and heart disease. These include excess body fat and high cholesterol, which again, plays a role in raising your blood pressure drastically.

What to do if you have a family history of hypertension?

If hypertension runs your family, you need to be mindful of your habits and lifestyle choices. Here is what you can do to keep track of your blood pressure –

• Monitor your blood pressure levels at regular intervals, at least once in every 6 months in order to ensure it is well within the desired range.
• Take a few steps to improve your blood pressure levels. Eating a healthy diet that comprises of green vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and nuts and seeds can help regulate high blood pressure. Cutting back on table salt and salty, processed foods can bring down elevated levels of blood pressure.
• Regular exercising can improve your heart rate, cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. Therefore, make sure you participate in some sort of physical activity for about 30-40 minutes at least thrice a week.

If you are already undergoing treatment for hypertension, make sure you take your medications regularly without failure and follow up with your doctor frequently. The most important thing is that you keep trying to bring down high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider.