Which of the following is considered a nonmodifiable risk factor for primary hypertension?

In the context of primary hypertension, nonmodifiable risk factors are those that cannot be changed or influenced by lifestyle or behavioral alterations. Age, family history, and ethnicity all fall into this category.

Age is a significant risk factor as the likelihood of developing hypertension increases with advancing age. Physiological changes that occur over time can lead to increased vascular resistance and other cardiovascular changes that contribute to higher blood pressure.

A family history of hypertension also represents a nonmodifiable factor. Genetics can play a crucial role in a person's predisposition to hypertension. If hypertension runs in a family, individuals are more likely to develop it themselves, reflecting genetic contributions that cannot be altered.

Additionally, African American ethnicity is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other ethnic groups. This increased risk may be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. While lifestyle interventions can help manage blood pressure, the risk conferred by ethnicity itself is nonmodifiable.

Since all these factors—age, family history, and ethnicity—cannot be changed, recognizing them as nonmodifiable risk factors for primary hypertension is crucial for understanding how they contribute to the overall risk profile and management strategies for individuals. Thus, the correct answer encompasses all these aspects.