A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.      It is possible to develop hypertension with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing hypertension. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your health care provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Alcohol Use

In susceptible people a high salt diet may contribute to high blood pressure.

Excess dietary sodium

Drinking alcohol regularly and in large amounts increases blood pressure. This means drinking more than one daily drink for women or two for men.

Lack of Exercise

Moderate to intense exercise, done regularly, improves heart function and promotes healthy arteries. If you're unaccustomed to exercise, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Stress

Hormones released by your body when you are under stress can increase your blood pressure. This may aggravate high blood pressure in genetically susceptible individuals.

Obesity

Like all tissue, fatty tissue requires a rich blood supply. The heart has to work harder to deliver blood to all the body tissues in heavier people than in leaner people.

Other conditions associated with hypertension include

Diabetes

Kidney disease

Hormonal disorders

Porphyria

Toxemia of pregnancy

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

Taking oral contraceptives may increase your risk of hypertension in certain situations. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure while taking birth control pills if you:

Have a family history of hypertension

Have kidney disease

Are overweight

Had high blood pressure during pregnancy

Other Medications

Certain drugs can increase your risk of hypertension and/or interfere with medications you may take to lower your blood pressure. These include

Steroids

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Decongestants

Diet pills

Antidepressants

Age

People age 35 and older are at increased risk of developing hypertension, although anyone, even children, can have high blood pressure.

Gender

Men are generally at greater risk for hypertension than pre-menopausal women. After menopause, though, a woman's risk increases and is slightly greater than that of a man of the same age.

Genetic Factors

Having family members with high blood pressure increases your risk of developing the condition.

Race

Hypertension tends to develop at an earlier age and is more severe in blacks than in whites.

Sources
American Heart Association
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute