The world's population is aging and fattening, fuelling a continued increase in blood pressure problems. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured, and monitor it on a regular basis.



Remarkably, reports state that the worse high blood pressure rates are in much of Western Europe rather than in the U.S., despite the cultural similarities: 38% in England, Sweden and Italy; 45% in Spain and 55% in Germany.

Even before birth, a big part of a baby's risk for a heart attack later in life is already determined in his or her DNA. New research could go a long way toward predicting who is at the highest risk so prevention can start early.

If a person exercises, doesn't smoke, watches his or her diet, and monitors cholesterol and blood pressure, he or she reduces the chances of a heart attack.

But even after doing all those things, doctors state there still is a substantial portion of the world at risk of heart attack and or high blood pressure that's not explained by those factors.

Two large groups of researchers from around the world analysed DNA from more than 30,000 people and came to the same conclusion. They found a particular genetic type that doubles the risk for heart attack before age 60.

The discovery is particularly important because the genetic type is very common. At least one in five people is born with this variation in the DNA that increases heart attack risk.

This finding could explain why people suffer from heart attacks mid way through their 40's, with no known risk factors and no prior warnings.

"I was working out, running, doing aerobics, I was eating right, didn't smoke or drink, and I still have high blood pressure. I thought I was doing everything right, but it still happened. What have I got to do?"

Within a few years, a blood test for the genetic variation should be available and that could allow for prevention efforts to begin, even in childhood to further reduce the incidence of heart disease.