Your Genes Play a Crucial Role in The Development of Hypertension

 

YOUR GENETICS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION

Hypertension or high blood pressure happens when your blood exerts increased force against the walls of the blood vessels. Hypertension can be a risk factor for several critical health conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and aneurysms.

The silent killer

You can have high blood pressure without any signs or symptoms. Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath but these signs also don’t appear until the pressure reaches a life-threatening stage. That is the reason hypertension is also known as the silent killer. Unobserved high blood pressure can increase your risk for serious health conditions like heart attack, stroke, and also death.

Hypertension and your genetics

There are some common genetic variations associated with blood pressure and your genetics play a part in your blood pressure. A genetic test can give your a complete picture of the likelihood of you developing hypertension. Knowing your risk level for it can help you keep a check on your blood pressure on a regular basis and take actions to prevent it. 

Hypertension prevention based on your genetics test report

In case your genetic test report shows that you are at high risk for developing hypertension, you can follow the report and genetic counselor’s recommendations. These recommendations help you in modifying your lifestyle to keep your blood pressure in control and prevent other diseases as well.

• Measure your blood pressure regularly - blood pressure can be easily detected with a BP machine at home. Keep your physician informed about your BP levels.

• Manage a healthy body weight - the pressure on artery walls and need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues becomes increased with the increase in weight.

• Reduce salt in your diet - too much sodium can cause your body to retain fluid thereby increasing blood pressure.

• Quit tobacco consumption - smoking or chewing tobacco immediately raises blood pressure and also damages the lining of the artery walls.

• Exercise regularly - it helps in keeping your heart rate and body weight in control.

Want to know your genetic risk for hypertension? Contact us for more information.