Having high blood pressure—something that roughly half of Americans are living with—is a big deal. It increases the risk for stroke, heart attack and heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the U.S. Here’s the good news: High blood pressure is largely preventable.
As a cardiologist explains here, having high blood pressure when you’re older than 50 brings additional risks, making it even more dangerous. Here, he shares the one habit he wishes everyone would stop by 50 to significantly reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure.
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What Causes High Blood Pressure and Who Is Most At Risk?
Dr. Deval Mehta, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South, explains that a variety of factors cause high blood pressure. One is genetics. “If you have a family history of high blood pressure, your risk is greater,” Dr. Mehta says. According to scientific research, having a family history of high blood pressure increases the risk between 40 and 50%. That doesn’t mean if it runs in your family that you are destined to have it, but it does mean you should talk to a cardiologist about what you can do to lower your risk.
“An unhealthy diet, particularly one high in salt, saturated fats and cholesterol, can also contribute to elevated blood pressure levels,” Dr. Mehta says. He adds that a sedentary lifestyle is another major factor. “Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and subsequently, hypertension. Obesity itself puts extra strain on your heart, further increasing the risk,” Dr. Mehta says. Additionally, Dr. Mehta says that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known to raise blood pressure.
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If you have a chronic health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes or sleep apnea, Dr. Mehta says you are at an increased risk for high blood pressure. “Managing these factors through lifestyle changes and medical intervention is crucial in preventing and controlling hypertension,” he says.
Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
Dr. Mehta explains that the reason why having high blood pressure is dangerous is because it can lead to a range of severe health problems. “One of the most significant risks is heart disease, as hypertension increases the likelihood of heart attacks and heart failure. Additionally, high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become clogged more easily, leading to strokes,” he says. According to scientific research, 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart disease can be attributed to high blood pressure.
“Hypertension can damage the blood vessels within the kidneys, potentially resulting in kidney failure,” Dr. Mehta says, highlighting another potential outcome of high blood pressure. “Furthermore, high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss. Managing blood pressure is crucial to prevent these dangerous health issues,” he says.
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The #1 Habit To Quit by 50 To Reduce Your Risk of High Blood Pressure
Here’s what’s scary about high blood pressure: You can have it and not even know it. “High blood pressure by itself does not cause any symptoms and patients can go undiagnosed for several years unless one undergoes routine blood pressure measurements at medical visits. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called a silent killer,” Dr. Mehta says.
Being 50 or older and having high blood pressure comes with additional risks. Dr. Mehta says that older adults are more likely to experience complications from high blood pressure. “They are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Additionally, high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and cognitive impairment,” he says. He adds that older adults are also more susceptible to kidney damage caused by hypertension, making it crucial for them to manage their blood pressure effectively to reduce these risks.
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This is why it’s important to do what you can to prevent high blood pressure before you’re 50. There’s one habit in particular Dr. Mehta says everyone under 50 should quit: smoking. “Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart disease. By quitting smoking, you can significantly improve your heart and overall well-being,” he says.
Certainly no matter how old you are, quitting smoking is beneficial. The sooner you do it, the better! If you are 50 or younger and use tobacco, give up this unhealthy habit today to protect your heart both now and in the future.
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Sources
- Dr. Deval Mehta, MD, FACC, cardiologist at Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South, a joint venture of Texas Health and AdventHealth
- High Blood Pressure Facts. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Cleveland Clinic
- Leading Causes of Death. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Genetics of Blood Pressure: New Insights Into a Complex Trait. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2019
- High Blood Pressure and All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortalities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Medicine. 2015
- Hypertension among Current Cigarette Smokers Visiting Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Car Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Nepal Medical Association. 2022
