Experts recommend early screening and treatment of children for high blood pressure to potentially prevent a lifetime of cardiovascular disease.
These studies found a link between high blood pressure and unmet social needs such as limited employment, lack of insurance, food insecurity, and low income.
Key Findings
Data from both studies were based on the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets.
The first study involving adults aged 18 to 39 showed that 23 percent had blood pressure readings of 130/80 or higher.
Social Factors
The studies emphasized how unmet social needs can impact individuals with high blood pressure, with a focus on five social factors that can influence health:
- Low family income
- Low education
- Low food security
- No or limited employment
- No health insurance
“Social determinants of health are the social conditions arising from where people are born, live, learn, work, and mature,” explained study author Thomas Alexander from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
The first study revealed that young adults with high blood pressure were more likely to experience food insecurity, low income, and lack of health insurance. Those with two or more unmet social needs were significantly more likely to remain untreated and have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
It was noted that the social needs of adults can also impact their children, leading to similar health consequences.
Risk Factors in Young Adults
A review on risk factors associated with young adults with high blood pressure highlighted higher rates of:
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Excessive salt consumption
In addition to dietary risks like high salt consumption, the review pointed out that low intake of carbohydrates and protein but high intake of saturated fat, along with inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, were linked to elevated blood pressure in young adults. Sedentary lifestyles were also identified as a major contributing factor.
Risks of High Blood Pressure in Youth
Joni Ogle, a cardiovascular science expert, emphasized that high blood pressure in youth significantly raises the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. Elevated blood pressure can damage artery walls over time, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Ogle stated that high blood pressure in youth is a silent yet potent predictor of future heart issues, with prolonged exposure to the condition’s damaging effects starting in adolescence. Prevention measures such as smoking cessation, reduced salt intake, and moderate exercise can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Improved access to early screening and treatment for high blood pressure is recommended to mitigate serious health consequences related to the condition.
Ogle concluded by emphasizing the importance of early lifestyle changes in preventing irreversible damage caused by high blood pressure.
