Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2017)

Abstract: Obesity and weight gain are strong independent risk factor for HTN. It has been shown that, 60% of hypertensive are >20% overweight. Among population HTN prevalence is related to dietary NaCl intake and the age related increase of BP may be added by a high NaCl intake. The most important factors in the development of HTN at the population level are calorie excess (as manifest by obesity) high salt intake, low potassium and calcium intake, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol consumption and psychosocial stress. An increased in body weight from childhood to young adulthood is a major predictor of adult HTN.