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High Blood Pressure Affects Young Adults Too
Confirmed
In Short: The National Institute on Aging warns that high blood pressure, often called 'the silent killer,' can affect adults under 40.
High blood pressure, often referred to as 'the silent killer,' can affect adults under 40, according to a new study highlighted by The i Paper. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) emphasizes that this condition, which typically doesn't show visible symptoms, can lead to serious health issues.
The NIA explains that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem affecting nearly half of all adults. It is characterized by the pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels, with the first number, systolic blood pressure, indicating the pressure when the heart contracts, and the second, diastolic blood pressure, when the heart relaxes.
The study suggests that the current NHS practice of inviting people for five-yearly heart health checks starting at age 40 is too late. The research indicates that twice as many people as previously thought may have high blood pressure without knowing it.
The NIA notes that arteries stiffen with age, causing blood pressure to rise. This condition, isolated systolic hypertension, is due to age-related changes in the major arteries. However, high blood pressure can also affect younger adults, highlighting the need for earlier detection.
If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to severe health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people through lifestyle changes and medication.
The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), funded by the NIH, found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 in adults aged 50 and older significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Related studies also showed that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Verywellhealth notes that hypertension is a common medical problem and a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. It is often called 'the silent killer' because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms.
In rare instances, a severe headache may indicate a hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency where blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg or higher. However, many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, making regular checks crucial.
The NIA advises that there are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure, including other health conditions and overall fitness. If medication is prescribed, it may need to be taken long-term.
What this adds
The study highlights the need for earlier detection of high blood pressure, particularly in younger adults, to prevent serious health complications.
What's confirmed
- High blood pressure, often referred to as 'the silent killer,' can affect adults under 40, according to a new study highlighted by The i Paper. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) emphasizes that this condition, which typically doesn't show visible symptoms, can lead to serious health issues.
- The NIA explains that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem affecting nearly half of all adults. It is characterized by the pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels, with the first number, systolic blood pressure, indicating the pressure when the heart contracts, and the second, diastolic blood pressure, when the heart relaxes.
- The study suggests that the current NHS practice of inviting people for five-yearly heart health checks starting at age 40 is too late. The research indicates that twice as many people as previously thought may have high blood pressure without knowing it.
- The NIA notes that arteries stiffen with age, causing blood pressure to rise. This condition, isolated systolic hypertension, is due to age-related changes in the major arteries. However, high blood pressure can also affect younger adults, highlighting the need for earlier detection.
- If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to severe health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, vascular dementia, eye problems, and kidney disease. The good news is that blood pressure can be controlled in most people through lifestyle changes and medication.
- The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT), funded by the NIH, found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 in adults aged 50 and older significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Related studies also showed that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Verywellhealth notes that hypertension is a common medical problem and a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. It is often called 'the silent killer' because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms.
- In rare instances, a severe headache may indicate a hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency where blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg or higher. However, many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, making regular checks crucial.
- The NIA advises that there are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure, including other health conditions and overall fitness. If medication is prescribed, it may need to be taken long-term.
What's still developing
- Your body’s network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age.
- That said, some people may notice a change in or worsening of their headaches when their blood pressure is higher than usual.
- An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery carrying blood to the brain becomes blocked from a clot.
- As a result, patients have problems breathing and feel weak and fatigued.