Which of the following is a risk factor for hypertension?

Physical inactivity is indeed a recognized risk factor for hypertension. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can lower blood pressure. When individuals do not engage in sufficient physical activity, they may face an increased risk of obesity and related cardiovascular issues, including hypertension.

In contrast, hyperthyroidism can actually lead to lower blood pressure levels in some cases due to the increased metabolic rate and potential weight loss, while a high-potassium diet is known to help lower blood pressure rather than increase it. Family history can contribute to an individual’s overall likelihood of developing hypertension, but it operates more as a background risk rather than a modifiable lifestyle factor like physical inactivity. Thus, among these options, physical inactivity stands out as a direct and actionable risk factor for developing hypertension.