Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has again suggested that family history plays a large role in the development of high blood pressure. Namely, researchers found that the risk of hypertension is almost doubled in people who have two hypertensive parents.

The study, conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins, tracked about 1000 male participants for an average of 54 years. Monitoring started in early adulthood, and lasted for the rest of the subjects' lives. Even after adjusting for things like activity level, smoking, and weight, investigators still found that those with one or two hypertensive parents were more likely to develop high blood pressure themselves.

The increase in risk was about 50% in men with hypertensive mothers, 80% in men with hypertensive fathers, and 150% for men with hypertensive mothers and fathers.

Though this data is interesting, and supports the ongoing task of classifying the genetics of high blood pressure, family history is an uncontrollable risk factor. Remember that being at risk of a disease does not mean you'll actually develop that disease. It does, however, mean that making smart choices becomes even more important. The best way to protect yourself from high blood pressure is still through health living - don't smoke, exercise, and control your body weight.