HYPERTENSION

 

 

Blood pressure is defined as the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries.  The aging process brings structural changes in the arterial wall that result in a reduced circumference of blood vessels. When other factors that affect blood pressure are present, blood pressure is increased to dangerously high levels, known as hypertension. Currently, almost 50% of older adults suffer from hypertension. Risk factors for hypertension include:

 

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Stressful lifestyle

• Poor diet including excessive salt or alcohol consumption

• Family history of hypertension

• Race

   

  Hypertension is a strong predictor of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.

   

Hypertension Statistics

 

⦁More than 30% of American adults have hypertension.

⦁Hypertension is known as a “silent disease” due to a lack of obvious symptoms. More than 25% of people with hypertension do not know it.

⦁More than 60% of people with hypertension do not have it sufficiently under control even with medication and other treatments.

⦁More than 40% of African Americans have hypertension.

 

Credit: NASM SENIOR FITNESS SPECIALIST

©2014 NASM National Academy of Sports Medicine