An inactive or sedentary lifestyle is a controllable risk factor for high blood pressure, as well as other diseases like blood vessel disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Excessive weight puts added strain on the heart and other organs because they have to work harder. The heart is unnecessarily stressed with excessive weight to circulate blood throughout the entire body.

High blood pressure doesn’t just stop there. It can progress to life-threatening medical conditions like kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and death. This is important because kidney failure is the #9 cause of death in America, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America, and stroke is the 3rd cause of death in America (1). Blindness is another result of high blood pressure.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes often occur together. If left untreated, serious consequences can take place. High blood pressure is two times likely to affect people with diabetes than people that do not have diabetes.

Vitamin D has many beneficial functions in the body. Its major function is to maintain normal blood levels and for the absorption of calcium. By absorbing calcium it makes bones stronger and maintains their strength as long as the right amount is frequently consumed.

Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, heart disease, impotence, cardiovascular changes, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and death.

Dark chocolate contains a high amount of cocoa (usually 70% or more) which is abundant in antioxidants (3). Antioxidants are a natural occurring element that work to rid our bodies of damaging free radicals that we take into our bodies every day.

Kidney disease or kidney failure is the result of high blood pressure. Kidney failure can lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant. There are more than 25,000 new patients with kidney failure every year in the United States

In women 40 years of age or older, 60% percent of white women and 76% percent of African-American women have hypertension. It is estimated that 30% percent or greater of elderly women over the age of 65 are diagnosed hypertension.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are often seen together. High blood pressure will worsen other health complications like eye and kidney diseases for diabetics. High blood pressure is found in more than 60% of diabetics.