Hypertension - Who is at risk?

The number of people with high blood pressure (hypertension) has increased from 50 million to 65 million over the past year. Of those, 30% don't know they have it. There are 4 major uncontrollable risk factors for those it affects - age, race, sex and family history. Blacks, older people and those with family members who have high blood pressure are at a higher risk.

When it comes to women and men - age plays a large role in who it affects more. In young adulthood and early middle age, men are most prone to high blood pressure. Past the age of 60, more women have high blood pressure.

People with controllable risk factors are smokers, the obese, the inactive, the sodium sensitive, the stressed, heavy drinkers and those with low potassium intake. People with chronic conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea and high cholesterol are at higher risk.

When kids suffer, it's a sign that something is wrong. With the rise of obesity and inactivity, more children are getting high blood pressure.