It is likely that people with a family history of high blood pressure share common environments and other potential factors that increase their risk. Data from family and twin studies suggest that blood pressure is moderately heritable (30–50%) (Br Med J. 1963;1:75–80).
The risk for high blood pressure can increase even more when heredity combines with unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking and eating an unhealthy diet.
Genetic risk is complex, probably resulting from a combination of harmful mutations in risk genes and silencing of protective genes. Genetic hypertension in humans is due to the inheritance of multiple genes that predispose the individual (or organism) to develop the disorder, usually after puberty.
With aging comes a universal increase in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and in the risk for heart disease. Keeping physically fit may lower your odds of developing high blood pressure by a third.
A new study shows that physically fit people with a family history of high blood pressure were up to 34% less likely to develop high blood pressure than people who rarely exercised.
Inherited blood pressure
