With the updated blood pressure guidelines, more athletes meet the criteria for hypertension. Athletes are not immune to cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Hypertension prevalence in the United States varies from 0 to 83% due to inconsistent measurement and definitions. More than one third of collegiate and professional athletes meet criteria for hypertension due to recent changes in blood pressure guidelines. The highest rates of hypertension are consistently found among American-style football players, particularly linemen. In serial follow-up, these athletes often have a higher body mass index, a higher percentage of body fat, and an increase in weight. The risk of hypertension may be increased for athletes with traditional risk factors, but no causal link has been established between long-term participation in sports and the risk of developing hypertension.
