\u201cIt\u2019s hopeless.\u201d<\/em> All of these are rather common and natural reactions after someone discovers they have a family history of hypertension. But are they rational, realistic, or responsible ways to respond?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps not. While finding out you\u2019re at greater risk of certain conditions based on your genetics does sound alarm bells, the ball is very much still in your court. No matter if you have a mother, father, or sibling with hypertension, you still have control over both your present and future health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being said, here\u2019s what we\u2019ll explore in today\u2019s article in case it\u2019s of interest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The details matter when answering this question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Case in point – does having an 82-year-old grandmother newly diagnosed with hypertension put you at greater risk of developing it too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most likely, no. However, does having a 57-year-old father who\u2019s been dealing with high blood pressure for a number of years increase your risk?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, this will. Studies define someone as a \u201chypertensive offspring<\/a>\u201d when they have a blood relative diagnosed with high blood pressure for a minimum of one year before the age of 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In such an event, your risk of hypertension is thought to double<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A family history of high blood pressure has also been associated with other health morbidities<\/a>, such as obesity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The concept of more is worse<\/em> applies here too. When three or more of your blood relatives have high blood pressure, this is considered a strong family history<\/a> and further increases your chances of developing hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind, all of these scenarios are by no means a guarantee that you\u2019ll suffer cardiovascular ill health, or that you\u2019ll have a stroke or heart attack later in life. Family history is a factor worth paying attention to, sure. But it\u2019s far from the be-all and end-all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get exclusive access to our expert insights and tips for accurate blood pressure monitoring. Sign up for our newsletter today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many genetic disorders and conditions are hereditary, as genes get passed down from one generation to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, genetic mutations can occur as a result of UV or radiation exposure, affecting the genes\u2019 ability to build important proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about the specific<\/em> connection between genes and high blood pressure, though?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, it\u2019s science time! The first human gene linked to hypertension was angiotensinogen (AGT). This is a precursor for the protein hormone, angiotensin<\/a>, which is known to modulate blood pressure by giving the body signals when to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And there have been further advancements in understanding since then. A fascinating study part-funded by the British Heart Foundation<\/a> discovered not one, not ten, but 179 kidney genes associated with high blood pressure. The researchers were able to examine large datasets of human DNA and RNA from kidney tissue samples. Doing so led to two huge breakthroughs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another biological mechanism to be aware of is monogenic hypertension<\/a>. This is where a parent passes down a single genetic variant to their child. The mutation variant can lead to issues in blood pressure regulation and hypertensive disorders, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The individual disorders resulting in monogenic hypertension aren\u2019t well-known. Nevertheless, as a collective, they\u2019re thought to account for around 30% of hypertension cases<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggested reading: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Silent Threat – How High Blood Pressure Increases the Risk of Stroke”<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The impact family heritage and history have on health goes beyond genetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take smoking, for instance. If you\u2019ve shared a home with a family member who smokes, you may fall into the category of being a secondhand smoker (or \u201cpassive smoker\u201d). This is where you\u2019re exposed to the harmful contents of cigarettes without smoking yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a study of over 106,000 people<\/a> who reported they never smoked, their chances of developing hypertension significantly increased if they had secondhand smoke exposure either at home or at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lifestyle factors such as diet<\/a>, exercise, and sleep all play a big role too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider how people often show similar traits or habits as their parents or siblings. Chances are that if a child or young adult is raised in an environment where the familial norm is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then they\u2019re more likely to observe and exhibit these behaviours themselves. And the scientific evidence is clear. An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep all contribute to an increased risk of hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A growing sense of frustration or despair can build when you discover a strong family history of hypertension – or any unwanted condition for that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s one thing to acknowledge the trend and look for ways to protect yourself. That\u2019s smart! However, it\u2019s tempting to over-analyse and become preoccupied or obsessed. To the point that the constant worrying may do more harm than the underlying genetic risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what\u2019s the sensible middle ground?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal diet for everyone doesn\u2019t exist. Some days you\u2019ll be too busy or tired to exercise. Some nights you won\u2019t sleep so well. Instead of aiming for impossible perfection, try to lead a healthy lifestyle 80% of the time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe that means from Monday to Friday, you aim to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whereas, on the weekends, you allow yourself to be more flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most people, a treat meal every now and then is fine. As is a lazy day watching Netflix. As is a late night meeting friends. Do these things too often and, yes, they are likely to have a negative impact on your cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Automatic. Easy. Reliable. Considering how technology has progressed, it\u2019s disappointing that the common way to measure blood pressure is so archaic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the cuff was a brilliant invention for its time, many find it awkward or uncomfortable to use. Never mind the fact individual readings often aren\u2019t a true reflection of blood pressure levels throughout the day and night, so you don\u2019t get the full data you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a modern alternative that\u2019s more robust and convenient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n You bet! Hilo offers 24\/7 blood pressure monitoring<\/a> that\u2019s easier than ever before. If you\u2019re concerned about a family history of hypertension and want to make sure you keep your blood pressure at a safe level, Hilo Band is the tool for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how Hilo compares to the home blood pressure cuff:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, the hands-off and round-the-clock nature of Hilo\u2019s blood pressure measurements gives it the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more and read customer reviews, view Hilo here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disclaimer: If you are concerned about your blood pressure, it is best to speak to your doctor. They can advise on the best way to manage your blood pressure.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Family History of Hypertension in Healthy Men and Women, May 2006 – https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/ajh-article-198268<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The influence of family history of Hypertension on disease prevalence and associated metabolic risk factors among Sri Lankan adults, June 2015 – https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles-PMC4475303<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Know Your Risk for High Blood Pressure, March 2023 – https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/bloodpressure\/risk-factors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Genes responsible for high blood pressure discovered in the human kidney, May 2021 – https:\/\/www.bhf.org.uk\/genes-responsible-for-high-blood-pressure-discovered-in-the-human-kidney<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Overview of Monogenic Forms of Hypertension Combined With Hypokalemia, January 2021 – https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles-fped-2020-543309<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Monogenic hypertension, September 2019 – https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles-PMC7233634<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Association between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Hypertension in 106,268 Korean Self-Reported Never-Smokers Verified by Cotinine, August 2019 – https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles-PMC6723357<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI must have bad genes.\u201d<\/em>
\u201cWhatever I do, my blood pressure is bound to keep rising.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
I Have a Family History of Hypertension. Am I at Risk Too?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Family History As a Hypertension Risk – The Biological and Social Mechanisms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biological Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Social and Environmental Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do When Hypertension Runs in The Family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lifestyle Adjustments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Get The Data You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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