The stigma that high blood pressure and cholesterol only affect old people is totally wrong. High blood pressure and cholesterol affect young people as well, and it can be extremely dangerous for them. There are several risks of high blood pressure and high cholesterol for young adults that are detrimental for your health.
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, and if young people think that they are immune, they won’t be able to look for the subtle signs and probably not even know that they have it.
A Healthline article quoted Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin saying, “Young people with elevated blood pressure — even those with only a high systolic number, but normal diastolic number — may have an abnormally stiff aorta, which should not be ignored. They should have close follow-up and talk with their primary care physicians to see if their condition needs to be treated.”
One study explained, “Active individuals, like the young and athletes, are viewed as free of diseases such as hypertension. However, the increased prevalence of traditional risk factors in the young, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and renal disease, increase the risk of developing hypertension in younger adults.”
Let’s take a look at these risks of high blood pressure and high cholesterol for young adults.
Risk Factors
Family History
UPMC Health Beat said in an article, “Young adults whose family history includes high cholesterol are more likely to develop this condition in their 20s and 30s.” If you have a family history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, take extra care to make sure you’re doing all you can to prevent yourself from developing those conditions.
Isolated Systolic Hypertension
A study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center concluded that young people with a condition known as isolated systolic hypertension are at risk for future artery stiffening, which may lead to increased stroke risk and may be harmful to your kidneys and brain.
A Healthline article quoted Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin saying, “Young people with elevated blood pressure — even those with only a high systolic number, but normal diastolic number — may have an abnormally stiff aorta, which should not be ignored. They should have close follow-up and talk with their primary care physicians to see if their condition needs to be treated.”
Diabetes
Young adults with diabetes are significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure and high cholesterol than those who don’t have diabetes. If you’re suffering from diabetes, seek to prevent yourself developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol by making a few lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes to prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress