In recent years, high blood pressure has become a big global health challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, one in three adults around the world has high blood pressure. Traditionally, it was seen as a disease related to aging, especially common among older people. However, changes in modern lifestyles have led to younger people also being diagnosed with high blood pressure. Unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and long-term stress are major reasons for the rise in high blood pressure among young people. Data from the American Heart Association shows that the number of people aged 20 to 40 with high blood pressure has risen sharply in the past decade, which is concerning. This shows that high blood pressure is no longer just an “old person’s disease” and is now affecting younger and middle-aged people.
Why is high blood pressure affecting younger people?
The fact that younger people are getting high blood pressure is closely linked to modern lifestyles and certain biological factors. The common causes can be divided into three main categories: lifestyle, stress, and genetics.
What lifestyle habits cause high blood pressure?
Unhealthy eating habits
High salt intake
The spread of fast food and pre-packaged meals in the U.S. has caused people to consume too much sodium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that about 90% of American adults consume more sodium than the recommended 2,300 mg per day. High-salt foods like fries, pizza, and ready-made meals are important factors behind the increased risk of high blood pressure among young people.
High-fat, high-sugar diets
Many people in the U.S. have a habit of eating high-calorie snacks like candy, chocolate, and chips, which are full of sugar and fat. Many also have dessert after meals, like cakes or ice cream, which further increases sugar intake. Foods full of saturated fat and sugar not only cause weight gain but also directly harm blood vessel health, raising the risk of high blood pressure.
Not enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium
Potassium helps control blood pressure, but data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that around 80% of American adults don’t get the recommended daily amount of potassium. A lack of potassium, calcium, and magnesium can make high blood pressure worse, and these nutrients mostly come from fresh fruits and vegetables, which are not eaten enough in modern U.S. diets.
Lack of exercise
With modern technology, life is more comfortable. Many young people use cars to get around and spend long periods using electronic devices, leading to less physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can cause weight gain and reduce blood vessel flexibility, making it harder to control blood pressure.
Smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking are common bad habits among young people. Smoking can damage blood vessels, making them narrower and raising blood pressure, while the tar and nicotine in cigarettes can harm blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Too much drinking can disrupt how blood pressure is controlled. Studies show that people who smoke and drink heavily are more likely to get high blood pressure than those who don’t.
Why do stress and anxiety lead to high blood pressure?
Long-term stress and anxiety make the sympathetic nervous system overactive, which increases the release of hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow, which raises blood pressure. Stress can also activate the RAAS system, causing the body to hold onto salt and water, further raising blood pressure.
Genetics and biological factors
While lifestyle factors play a major role in high blood pressure among young people, genetics and biology also matter. Young people with a family history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop it themselves.
Common symptoms of high blood pressure in young people
High blood pressure may not show any clear symptoms at first, especially in younger people. Many don’t realize they have high blood pressure until the condition is more serious. So, how can you tell if you might have high blood pressure? Here are three common early symptoms:
- Headaches and dizziness: Especially in the morning, dull or throbbing pain at the back of the head is a common symptom of high blood pressure.
- Chest tightness and heart palpitations: High blood pressure puts more strain on the heart, causing discomfort in the chest and faster heartbeats. Many young people ignore these symptoms, blaming them on tiredness or work stress.
- Blurred vision: High blood pressure can damage the retina, leading to blurry vision or even temporary vision loss.
Health risks
Cardiovascular diseases
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and heart failure. Long-term high blood pressure can lead to hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart problems. Research shows that controlling blood pressure can lower the risk of heart disease by 20% to 30%.
Kidney damage
Over time, high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function or even kidney failure. For young patients, this increases the future risk of chronic kidney disease.
Stroke and cognitive decline
High blood pressure raises the risk of strokes, which can reduce blood flow to the brain and affect cognitive abilities and memory. Studies show that uncontrolled high blood pressure makes the risk of stroke four times higher. For young people, early prevention is crucial.
Final thoughts
In today’s fast-paced society, it’s important for everyone to take care of their health. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can ignore your health. If you feel unwell, see a doctor as soon as possible.