Who is most at risk for high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) often develops quietly and can go unnoticed for years. While anyone can develop it, research consistently shows that certain groups are at higher risk due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, age, and underlying health factors.

1) People with a family history of high blood pressure

If close relatives such as parents or siblings have hypertension, your risk is higher. Genetics influence how the body regulates salt, blood vessel tone, and hormonal systems involved in blood pressure control. Family history does not guarantee hypertension, but it does mean monitoring matters.

2) Adults over the age of 40

Blood pressure commonly rises with age as arteries gradually stiffen and lose elasticity. This means the heart may need to pump harder to move blood through the body. Many people first discover elevated readings in midlife during routine checks.

3) People who are overweight or obese

Excess body weight can increase blood volume and strain on the heart and blood vessels. Fat tissue also affects hormone and inflammatory pathways that influence blood pressure regulation. Even modest weight loss is often associated with lower blood pressure in many individuals.

4) People with diets high in salt and ultra-processed foods

High sodium intake is strongly linked to raised blood pressure, especially in people who are “salt sensitive.” Ultra-processed diets also tend to be low in potassium and fibre and can contribute to weight gain, all of which can worsen blood pressure over time.

5) People who are physically inactive

Regular movement helps blood vessels stay flexible and improves how efficiently the heart works. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with higher resting blood pressure, poorer circulation, and weaker metabolic health.

6) People under chronic stress

Long-term stress can keep the body’s “fight or flight” response switched on, raising stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this may contribute to persistently elevated blood pressure and can also disrupt sleep and encourage less healthy coping habits.

7) People with sleep problems or sleep apnoea

Poor sleep quality and conditions such as sleep apnoea are strongly associated with high blood pressure. Repeated drops in oxygen levels during sleep place strain on the cardiovascular system and can interfere with normal overnight blood pressure regulation.

8) People with diabetes, kidney disease, or metabolic conditions

Blood pressure and blood sugar regulation are closely linked. Diabetes and kidney disease both increase the risk of hypertension, and high blood pressure can in turn worsen these conditions — creating a harmful cycle if not addressed early.

9) People who consume excess alcohol

Regular heavy alcohol intake can raise blood pressure directly and indirectly by contributing to weight gain, poor sleep, and hormonal disruption. Reducing alcohol is often followed by measurable improvements in blood pressure for many people.

10) Certain ethnic groups

Some populations have a higher prevalence of hypertension due to a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. This does not mean hypertension is inevitable, but it highlights the value of early monitoring and lifestyle awareness.

An important point

High blood pressure is often called a “silent condition” because many people feel perfectly well even when readings are high. Symptoms like headaches or dizziness can occur, but relying on how you feel is unreliable — regular measurement is essential.

Who should worry about chest pain?

Chest pain is one of the most concerning symptoms people experience, but it does not always come from the heart. While many causes are harmless or temporary, certain people should take chest pain more seriously because their risk of a dangerous underlying cause is higher.

People with known heart or vascular disease

Anyone with a history of heart disease, previous heart attack, angina, stroke, or vascular disease should treat chest pain with caution. In these individuals, chest discomfort may signal reduced blood flow to the heart or other serious cardiovascular problems.

People with risk factors for heart disease

Chest pain is more concerning in people who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking history, or a strong family history of heart disease. Even if symptoms are mild, these risk factors increase the likelihood of a cardiac cause.

Older adults

As people age, the risk of heart-related chest pain increases. Older adults may also experience less typical symptoms, such as breathlessness, fatigue, or pressure rather than sharp pain, making chest discomfort easier to dismiss when it should not be.

People with chest pain during exertion

Chest pain that occurs or worsens during physical activity and improves with rest is more likely to be related to the heart. This pattern suggests that the heart may not be receiving enough oxygen during increased demand.

People with chest pain plus other symptoms

Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, or pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, or back is more concerning. These combinations raise the possibility of a serious underlying cause.

People with sudden or severe chest pain

Sudden, intense chest pain — especially if it feels crushing, tight, or pressure-like — should never be ignored. Even in younger or otherwise healthy individuals, sudden severe pain warrants prompt medical assessment.

People with new or unexplained chest pain

Any chest pain that is new, unexplained, or different from previous sensations deserves attention. Reassurance based on past experiences can be misleading if the pattern has changed.

People who should worry less (but still monitor)

Chest pain is less likely to be heart-related in younger individuals with no risk factors, especially if the pain is sharp, brief, position-dependent, or reproducible with movement or touch. However, persistent or recurring pain should still be reviewed.

Who is most likely to develop type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and is strongly influenced by lifestyle, metabolic health, and genetic factors. While it can affect anyone, certain groups of people are significantly more likely to develop the condition over time.

People with excess body weight or abdominal fat

Carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is one of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Abdominal fat is closely linked to insulin resistance, where the body becomes less responsive to insulin’s effects.

People with insulin resistance or prediabetes

Individuals who already have insulin resistance or have been told they have prediabetes are at much higher risk. In these cases, blood sugar regulation is already impaired, and progression to diabetes can occur if underlying causes are not addressed.

People with a family history of type 2 diabetes

Genetics play an important role. Having a parent or close relative with type 2 diabetes increases risk, particularly when combined with lifestyle factors such as poor diet or physical inactivity.

People who are physically inactive

Regular movement helps the body use insulin more effectively. Long periods of inactivity reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the likelihood of blood sugar problems developing over time.

Older adults

The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, partly due to changes in body composition, reduced muscle mass, and declining insulin sensitivity. However, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults as well.

People with high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol

Type 2 diabetes often develops alongside other metabolic issues such as high blood pressure and unfavourable cholesterol patterns. These conditions share common underlying drivers related to insulin resistance.

People with a history of gestational diabetes

Women who developed diabetes during pregnancy have a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on, particularly if weight and metabolic health are not optimised after pregnancy.

People from certain ethnic backgrounds

Some ethnic groups have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, often developing it at a younger age or lower body weight. This reflects a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

Who gets lupus and why?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It can affect many parts of the body and varies greatly from person to person. While anyone can develop lupus, certain groups are more commonly affected, and several factors are thought to contribute to why it develops.

Women are affected far more often than men

Lupus occurs much more frequently in women than in men, particularly during the child-bearing years. This strong gender difference suggests that hormonal factors play a role in how the immune system behaves and why lupus develops in some individuals.

People diagnosed most often in early to mid-adulthood

Lupus is most commonly diagnosed between the late teens and middle age, although it can appear at any stage of life. In younger people, symptoms may develop gradually and be mistaken for other conditions before a diagnosis is made.

People with a family history of autoimmune disease

Genetics contribute to lupus risk. People with close relatives who have lupus or other autoimmune conditions are more likely to develop it themselves. However, genetics alone are usually not enough — environmental factors often play a role as well.

People from certain ethnic backgrounds

Lupus is more common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Indigenous backgrounds. In these groups, the condition may also present at a younger age or follow a more severe course, reflecting a combination of genetic and environmental influences.

People exposed to specific environmental triggers

Certain triggers may contribute to the development or activation of lupus in susceptible individuals. These can include infections, prolonged sun exposure, physical or emotional stress, and, in some cases, reactions to specific medications.

Why lupus develops

Lupus develops when the immune system loses the ability to distinguish between harmful invaders and the body’s own tissues. This leads to ongoing inflammation and immune activity that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, nervous system, and other organs.

Why lupus can be difficult to diagnose

Symptoms of lupus often overlap with many other conditions and can fluctuate over time. Fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and fevers may come and go, which can delay recognition and diagnosis, especially in the early stages.

Who is most at risk from RSV and other respiratory infections?

Respiratory infections such as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza, and other common viruses affect people of all ages. However, some groups are more vulnerable to severe illness, complications, or prolonged recovery when these infections occur.

Infants and young children

Babies, especially those under one year of age, are among the most vulnerable to RSV. Their airways are small and still developing, which means inflammation or mucus buildup can interfere with breathing more easily. Premature infants are at particularly high risk.

Older adults

Ageing is associated with gradual changes in immune function and lung capacity. Adults over 65 are more likely to experience complications from respiratory infections, including pneumonia and worsening of existing health conditions.

People with weakened immune systems

Individuals with compromised immune function — whether due to medical conditions, treatments, or chronic illness — may struggle to clear respiratory infections efficiently. This can lead to more severe symptoms or longer recovery times.

People with underlying lung conditions

Asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other long-term lung conditions increase the risk of complications from respiratory infections. Inflammation or infection can trigger flare-ups and worsen breathing difficulties.

People with heart disease or metabolic conditions

Respiratory infections place additional strain on the heart and circulatory system. Those with heart disease, diabetes, or other metabolic conditions may be more vulnerable to complications when oxygen delivery and energy demands are disrupted.

People exposed to frequent close contact

RSV and similar viruses spread easily in crowded environments such as schools, care facilities, and households with young children. Frequent exposure increases the likelihood of infection, particularly during seasonal outbreaks.

Why risk varies so widely

The severity of respiratory infections depends on a combination of immune resilience, airway health, age, nutritional status, and overall metabolic health. Two people exposed to the same virus may have very different experiences.

Who should have the flu vaccine each year?

Annual flu vaccination policies are designed primarily to protect people who are more likely to experience complications from influenza. Public health guidance is reviewed each year and may vary slightly by country, but the overall focus remains on reducing serious illness, hospitalisation, and strain on healthcare services.

Older adults

Older adults, typically those aged 65 and over, are commonly advised to receive the flu vaccine each year. Age-related changes in immune function can make it harder for the body to respond effectively to infection, increasing the risk of complications such as pneumonia.

People with long-term health conditions

Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or neurological conditions are often included in vaccination recommendations. These conditions can increase vulnerability to severe flu symptoms or prolong recovery.

People with weakened immune systems

Those whose immune systems are suppressed — due to medical treatments, immune disorders, or certain medications — may be advised to receive the flu vaccine to reduce the risk of serious illness, as their bodies may struggle to clear infections efficiently.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women are commonly offered the flu vaccine because influenza can place additional stress on the body during pregnancy. Vaccination is intended to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the developing baby.

Healthcare workers and carers

Healthcare workers and people who care for vulnerable individuals are often encouraged to be vaccinated. This approach is aimed at reducing transmission to those who may be less able to cope with infection.

Healthy adults and personal choice

For many healthy adults, flu vaccination is generally presented as a personal choice rather than a medical necessity. Some people choose vaccination for added protection or workplace reasons, while others prioritise lifestyle, immune resilience, and individual risk assessment.

Who is more likely to experience memory loss?

Memory changes can occur for many reasons and affect people differently. While some degree of forgetfulness can be a normal part of ageing, certain factors increase the likelihood of more noticeable or persistent memory difficulties.

Ageing and normal memory changes

As people get older, the brain processes information more slowly and may take longer to recall names, dates, or recent events. These changes are often mild and do not interfere significantly with daily life. Age alone does not automatically mean serious memory loss, but it does increase vulnerability.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health

Conditions that affect blood flow and metabolism — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking — are strongly linked to memory problems. Reduced blood supply to the brain over time can affect concentration, recall, and overall cognitive function.

Sleep, stress, and mental health

Poor sleep quality, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can all impair memory and attention. In these cases, memory problems may improve when sleep patterns, stress levels, or mood are addressed.

Nutritional and medical factors

Vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin B12), thyroid disorders, infections, hormonal changes, and certain medications can contribute to memory difficulties. These causes are sometimes reversible once identified and treated.

Neurological conditions

More significant or progressive memory loss may be associated with neurological conditions such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Risk can be higher in people with a strong family history, previous head injury, or long-standing vascular disease.

Who should check their blood pressure regularly?

Regular blood pressure checks are important for many people, even when no symptoms are present. High blood pressure often develops quietly and can remain unnoticed for years while placing strain on the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.

People over the age of 40

As we get older, blood vessels naturally lose some flexibility. This makes regular blood pressure monitoring increasingly important from midlife onward, even in people who feel generally well.

Those with a family history of high blood pressure

Genetics play a role in how blood pressure is regulated. If close family members have experienced hypertension, heart disease, or stroke, regular checks can help identify rising trends early.

People with excess weight or low physical activity

Carrying excess weight and leading a sedentary lifestyle both increase the workload placed on the cardiovascular system. Monitoring blood pressure can highlight early strain before more serious issues develop.

Those with diabetes or metabolic concerns

Blood pressure and blood sugar regulation are closely linked. People with diabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience changes in blood pressure and benefit from regular monitoring.

People experiencing stress, poor sleep, or long-term fatigue

Chronic stress and disrupted sleep can affect blood pressure regulation through hormonal and nervous system pathways. Regular checks can help identify patterns related to lifestyle pressures.

Anyone who has not checked their blood pressure recently

Even without obvious risk factors, adults who have not had a blood pressure check for several years may benefit from monitoring, as elevated readings often develop without warning signs.