There are two types of factors that may place you at increased risk for high blood pressure: risk factors that are beyond your control and lifestyle risk factors.Some risk factors are predetermined. These include:

Family history: You are more likely to develop high blood pressure if your parents also had it.
Sex: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at a younger age than women. Women are at a higher risk after age 60.
Age: High blood pressure generally occurs in people over 30.
Race: African-Americans are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
If you have high blood pressure that is caused by an inherited condition or other risk factors beyond your control, you may need medication to control your condition. However, lifestyle changes are also an important step in keeping your blood pressure under control, and most high blood pressure medications are more effective when combined with those changes.

Lifestyle Risk Factors
High blood pressure is often related to lifestyle factors. The most common lifestyle factors that affect blood pressure are:
Weight: Ask your doctor what the proper weight is for your height and build. If you weigh more than that amount, your doctor may recommend a diet and exercise regimen. On average, a 10-pound weight loss will lower both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurement by about 5 mm Hg.
Sodium intake: Salt is necessary in your diet to regulate water balance and maintain blood volume. However, if you are "salt-sensitive," your kidneys may not effectively rid your body of extra salt, causing your blood pressure to rise. If you are over age 50, African-American, overweight or diabetic, or if you already have high blood pressure, you could benefit from reducing your sodium intake.
Alcohol consumption: Having more than three drinks a day can increase your blood pressure.
Smoking: Smoking a cigarette can raise your blood pressure by 5 to 10 mm Hg for about 30 minutes. Not only does smoking raise your blood pressure, it also greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Exercise: Lack of exercise is a major risk factor contributing to the development of high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.