Respiration and Circulation — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

(1) Being overweight or obese is a major cause of hypertension, accounting for 65% to 75% of the risk for human primary hypertension.

(2) Following factors play an important role in initiating obesity hypertension:

1. Physical compression of the kidneys by fat.
2. Activation of the renin-angiotensin – aldosterone system
3. Increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
4. Obesity means more body-surface area. In order to supply blood to these parts. Heart and blood vessels work more resulting into hypertensions.

(3) Blood pressure rises as body weight increases and therefore obese persons are prone to hypertension.