The nurse is teaching a community education class on hypertension and risk factors for this disorder. What is the primary risk factor leading to the higher incidence of hypertension in older adults?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Age-related increase in the systolic blood pressure is the primary risk factor leading to the higher incidence of hypertension in older adults. As people age, their arteries become less elastic, and their blood vessels constrict more easily, which can lead to higher blood pressure readings. This age-related increase in systolic blood pressure is the most significant factor contributing to hypertension in older adults. While being a black adult or having a family history of hypertension can also increase one's risk, they are not the primary risk factor leading to higher incidence in older adults. Being a white male is not inherently a risk factor for hypertension.

The Nurse Is Teaching a Community Education Class on Hypertension