5 Steps to Take Now if High Blood Pressure Runs in Your Family

High blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure of blood in the vessels is higher than normal. Excess pressure on the vessels can lead to serious health issues.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure runs in families and can have a genetic influence. If you’re at risk due to familial hypertension, the Heart Clinic of Hammond team offers tips to assist.

Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed, two board-certified cardiologists, provide blood pressure screenings, prescribe medications, and treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure.

What is familial hypertension?

Familial hypertension is high blood pressure that runs in families and has a genetic component. Genetics does not determine hypertension with 100% certainty, but it increases the risk.

People with familial hypertension typically have a first-degree relative with the disease. Lifestyle factors and genetics often connect to the development of high blood pressure at some point in life.

Is familial hypertension automatic?

You face a higher risk of developing the condition with familial hypertension, but you do not automatically receive a diagnosis. Not everyone with a relative who has high blood pressure develops it.

You are at a higher risk due to genetics, which is why adopting a healthier lifestyle and knowing your risk factors are crucial to overall health.

Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with high blood pressure significantly increases your chances of developing it. However, other factors come into play, including your overall health, whether you smoke, and your weight.

Steps to take if you are at risk

If you’re at risk of high blood pressure due to genetics, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to prevent it. While genetics play a role, other lifestyle factors can also be significant. Take the following steps to reduce the risk of hypertension:

1. Limit alcohol consumption

Too much alcohol raises blood pressure, which is not beneficial for people already at risk. Limit alcohol as much as possible to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

2. Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, which greatly increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Whether you are at risk or not, stop smoking as soon as possible.

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Excess fat and body weight increase the workload on the heart, thereby raising blood pressure. Maintain a healthy weight or try to lose weight to avoid developing hypertension.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is a great way to keep the heart healthy and to help prevent hypertension. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day to decrease the risk of hypertension.

5. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Preventing high blood pressure starts with what you eat. Limit salt and consume lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to maintain a healthy heart.

It’s also crucial to have regular visits for blood pressure checks to evaluate for any changes. We also provide exercise, nuclear stress testing, and electrocardiograms to check your heart health.

Contact the Heart Clinic of Hammond team in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana, today to discuss the prevention and treatment of familial hypertension. You may also request an appointment with the team online.