Hypertension is known to be the disease of the elderly with an age-related risk that increases the older one gets.
However globally, there has been an increase in hypertension in children, adolescents and young adults due to an increase in lifestyle risk factors.
In the United States alone, 20% of those aged 18-30 who took part in a study for Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) were discovered to be hypertensive.
Some of the underlying risk factors to hypertension in young adults include the following:
Secondary hypertension
About 90 to 95% of all hypertension cases fall under the category of primary hypertension, that refers to high blood pressure for which no medical cause can be found.
Secondary hypertension, which counts for the remaining five to 10% of cases are caused by other medical conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart, or endocrine system.
In young adults, the possibility of secondary hypertension should be ruled out first, if suspected. Secondary hypertension is reversible once the underlying cause is lifted.
Causes of secondary hypertension in young adults include kidney disease, anatomical abnormality of the aorta, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as well as hypo or hyperthyroidism.
Young adult females may also have hypertension due to the intake of oral contraceptives.
Genetics
A family history of hypertension increases the risk of young adults also experiencing primary hypertension.
For young adults with no known underlying medical cause and no lifestyle risk factors, genetics can be the only explanation available.
Obesity
The increasing rate of obesity globally has also contributed to the increasing incidence of hypertension among young adults.
According to the World Health Organisation, obesity rates have more than doubled since 1980, with 1 in 10 of the world’s adult population now obese. The burden of hypertension attributable to obesity is very high.
In a survey published in the Journal of American College Surgery, obese people have an odds ratio of 1:7 when it comes to hypertension compared with individuals of normal weight. The risk increases with each class of obesity.
Lack of physical activity
Exercise allows for the release of hormones that relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure while a lack of physical activity increases the risk of being overweight.
Lack of physical activity and obesity combined make up two common lifestyle risk factors for hypertension.
Dietary factors
A diet too high in sodium can elevate blood pressure as it narrows blood vessels and makes the body retain more fluid.
The increased availability of and demand for high-sodium processed foods among young adults has contributed to the increase in hypertension.
Negligence in blood pressure monitoring among young adults is also very common. This particular group usually have a false sense of security about hypertension and are more unlikely to comply with medication if diagnosed.
Young adults should therefore take heed of the increasing number of hypertension cases among those in their age group and take proactive measure to prevent it.
This article first appeared in hellodoktor.com and was reviewed by Hello Doktor’s medical panel. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.