Hypertension in Young Adults: Understanding the Rising Health Concern

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition that is characterised by prolonged elevated levels of blood pressure. The exact cause behind young adults having high blood pressure is not known but is often associated with obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or smoking and an excessive intake of alcohol. The symptoms of high blood pressure are so mild that you may not even realize at first. However, with time they become evident and start interfering with day-to-day activities.

Let’s understand why young adults suffer from hypertension, what symptoms they show and what we can do about it.

With the advancement of digital technology and the availability of easier work-from-home options, the younger generation has been spending more time in front of screens than ever and far less time doing physical activities. Lack of exercise and movement throughout the day is a major concern for today’s generation.

Kids today easily succumb to poor dietary habits such as eating foods rich in carbs, fats and sugars. The prevalence of fast foods and processed foods increases the risk of hypertension 10-fold. Additionally, people with obesity are more likely to have elevated blood pressure.

Another important factor for causing hypertension is stress. Given the age of social media and cut-throat competition, peer pressure, and professional or social pressures it is common for younger individuals to feel stressed. It’s easy for them to fall into traps of alcohol consumption and smoking which are crucial factors for the development of hypertension.

Genetic factors and a strong family history, too, increase the chances of developing hypertension. If not managed well, hypertension could lead to more serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, or heart attacks.

If you are experiencing mild and frequent headaches, difficulty breathing after doing minimal activities, or perhaps nausea, vomiting or dizziness, you must check your blood pressure. If you suspect any of the above symptoms, see your physician immediately and get yourself tested. In addition, seeing a doctor is important especially when you have a strong family history of hypertension.

To diagnose hypertension, doctors measure your blood pressure by putting a cuff around your arm and attaching a sphygmomanometer to it. They may also ask you to check your blood pressure at home during different times of the day.

There are 2 numbers - systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The normal values of both are, systolic - between 100 to 140 mmHg, and diastolic - between 70 to 90 mmHg. So, the normal blood pressure values should be 120/80 mmHg plus/minus 20/10 mmHg. If you feel that your blood pressure is above or below the given normal ranges for a prolonged time, we suggest you visit your doctor and get the cause assessed.

Untreated hypertension could result in the early onset of cardiovascular diseases in young adults and probably a shorter lifespan. The risk of having heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias and renal failure increases in people with hypertension. Some other complications that young adults may face include atherosclerosis, cognitive dysfunction such as confusion and lack of clarity, and damage to the eyes and kidneys.