Professor Larisa Volkova stated that the predisposition to high blood pressure can be inherited through genes responsible for regulating blood vessel tension and the balance of water and salts in the body.
The professor says that genetic predisposition to high blood pressure may also be influenced by blood type, as those with blood types 2, 3, and 4 are believed to be more susceptible than those with blood type 1. She explains that von Willebrand factor, a key protein in blood clotting, plays a significant role in this, as its level in the plasma of people with blood type 1 is about 25% lower than in others. This makes their blood less viscous and less prone to clot formation, thus reducing the risk of narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.
It indicates that genes associated with high blood pressure may sometimes override genes responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure, which explains the prevalence of the disease, as it is diagnosed in more than 30% of the world's population.
She emphasizes that genetic predisposition does not guarantee the disease, as a healthy lifestyle can play a significant protective role, while factors such as being overweight, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress increase the risk. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also negatively impact vascular health.
She explains that early symptoms are often nonspecific and may resemble ordinary fatigue, but include rapid heartbeat, headaches, especially at the back of the head, flashing lights in front of the eyes, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, blurred vision, hand tremors, or a general feeling of heaviness in the body.
She adds that if these symptoms recur, blood pressure should be measured regularly, with readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher on two different days at rest being considered an indication of high blood pressure, which requires consulting a doctor without delay.
