Understanding the Relationship Between Obesity & High Blood Pressure

How Does Weight Impact Blood Pressure?

Does being obese mean that you will automatically develop high blood pressure (hypertension)? The simple answer is “no”; however, it is true that obese people are more likely to develop hypertension than those who maintain a healthy weight. The relationship between obesity and hypertension has been well documented, “It is estimated that obesity accounts for 65%–78% of cases of primary hypertension.” ₍₁₎ Excess weight increases the amount of work the heart must do to pump blood throughout the body; however, body weight is only one factor that can contribute to the development of hypertension. Common risk factors for high blood pressure include genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle. These risk factors can cause hypertension in both overweight and healthy weight individuals.

What are Risks Factors for Developing Hypertension?

It is important to know that people with hypertension may not feel any symptoms until they have developed complications from the elevation in blood pressure. This is why it is very important to get regular blood pressure checks by your primary care provider, especially if you have some of the common risk factors listed below.

• Age: As a person gets older, their blood vessels can become more rigid, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.
• Gender: Men are more at risk for high blood pressure up through age 45, while women are more likely to develop it after age 65.
• Genetics: Family history can play a significant role in blood pressure. Conditions that cause high blood pressure, like kidney disease, can be passed down from generation to generation. Learning unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits from family can also increase your risk of having elevated blood pressure.
• Medication: Certain medications, like birth control pills or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), can increase your blood pressure without you knowing. Be sure to fully understand the side effects of any medications that you may be taking. 
• Diet: Food high in fat, sugar, and salt may also lead to hypertension. Limiting your intake of sodium can help prevent high blood pressure. Additionally, limiting or reducing your number of alcoholic beverages can lead to decreased blood pressure.
• Lifestyle: Lifestyle factors, like high stress, can lead to hypertension. Also, a sedentary (not active) lifestyle can increase your likelihood of having high blood pressure as inactivity is often linked to being overweight.

What Can I Do to Improve My Blood Pressure?

Maintaining a healthy weight, learning about your family history, understanding your medications, and getting regular blood pressure checks are all important actions you can take to improve your chances of having normal and healthy blood pressure. Since 2001 Chase Medical Research has participated in a number of hypertensive studies since 2001 and will be conducting clinical trials for a new family of hypertensive medications that will be pending FDA approval. Please contact us at (203) 419-4404 if you are interested in learning more about participating in a clinical trial!

References:

1. Shariq OA, McKenzie TJ. Obesity-related hypertension: a review of pathophysiology, management, and the role of metabolic surgery. Gland Surg. 2020 Feb;9(1):80-93. doi: 10.21037/gs.2019.12.03. PMID: 32206601; PMCID: PMC7082272.