A 54-year study solidified the link between parents' high blood pressure (or hypertension) and the chances their children will develop it. Researchers in the study estimated 35 percent to 65 percent of hypertension is inherited.
 
These findings reinforce the need for early intervention and taking care of your health if your parents' developed high blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading risk factor in kidney and cardiovascular disease.

This article originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.