Age and High Blood Pressure

As age increases, so does the risk of high blood pressure. Generally this risk increases in stages as you get older.

• arteries become hardened
• less active
• kidney function decreases
• body does not process salt as well
• body more sensitive to salt and other factors
• hormonal changes such as menopause

Blood pressure often increases in stages. A person in their 30s may some elevated readings that return to normal. As this person ages, the readings increase. If a person develops high blood pressure before the age of 50, his or her risk of heart attack or stroke is greatly increased. If untreated, high blood pressure can reduce life expectancy by 10 or more years.

Men often develop high blood pressure between the ages of 35 and 55.

Women often develop high blood pressure after menopause.