The statistics are alarming.
1 in 4 individuals over 18 years of age are suffering from high blood pressure. The New Indian Express report on hypertension being on the rise among the youth has caused this hypertension specialist to sit up to take special notice about this condition.
It has been noticed that men are more prone to hypertension than are women. Moreover, hypertension or high blood pressure is more common among those with diabetes and obesity. This condition develops over a period of time and is attributed to poor lifestyle choices, bad food habits, excessive smoking, and consumption of alcohol, stress and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of hypertension include:
- Constant headaches
- Giddiness
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Blurry vision
- Inadequate sleep
If you notice any of these symptoms you need to get in touch with a hypertension specialist.
Hypertension among the youth is nothing new. Hence it can be seen that this is a condition that is silently on the rise in the Indian population. So, what are some of the measures one can take to combat hypertension? Find out below!
What To Do To Combat Hypertension?
- Since there is a high prevalence of hypertension in young men than in women, it should be noted that a lot should be done to promote awareness regarding hypertension among young men.
- Furthermore, it is necessary to monitor one’s blood pressure regularly. Preferably one should monitor one’s blood pressure every six months. For a healthy person, the blood pressure reading should be 120/80 mm Hg. Those who have been diagnosed with hypertension must maintain their pressure between 140/90 mm Hg.
- Weight management is necessary. Sugar intake should be minimal and aerated drinks avoided completely. Furthermore, a diet of green leafy vegetables should be taken along with proteins and fruits. One should exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day as physical activity helps to promote the strength of the heart.
- Sleep is important. The person should get a lot of sleep to reduce anxiety. Furthermore, sleep helps to relax the body so that the person does not go on to develop diabetes, stroke, or cardiovascular disease.
- Moreover, they should avoid taking a lot of stress. Pursue gardening or other hobbies that can help you to relax and enjoy life.
- Avoid alcohol intake and smoking as well as oily, processed and canned foods.
- Limit your intake of salt.
Furthermore, take a look at some other details pertaining to hypertension among the youth that can give one insight into the condition.
First, let’s look at the two different types of hypertension. They are known as essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
What is Essential Hypertension?
Essential hypertension does not have one distinct cause, it is multifactorial. It is not the side-effect of medication or certain diseases. There can be several causes and these are:
- Being an older adult (age 65 and up)
- Consuming a diet that’s high in salt
- Drinking too much coffee and other forms of caffeine
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Excess consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Sleep issues, such as insomnia
- Obesity
Other types of hypertension have one DISTINCT cause. When there is a distinct cause, it is known as secondary hypertension. Let’s take a look at more details regarding the same.
What is Secondary Hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is caused by a disease i.e. a medical condition or as the side effects of certain medications. The diseases which are likely to cause secondary hypertension are:
- Adrenal disease
- Thyroid disease
- Medications such as NSAIDS
- Pregnancy (preeclampsia)
- Kidney disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
A doctor will confirm primary or essential hypertension after ruling out all causes of secondary hypertension.
Other causes of hypertension include dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia and syndrome X. Even diabetes goes hand-in-hand with hypertension. Let’s see how.
- Dyslipidemia
When the amount of bad cholesterol exceeds the good cholesterol levels, the condition is termed as dyslipidemia. In this case, the bad cholesterol forms plaque on the arteries, forcing the heart to increase the pressure to ensure proper blood flow. Therefore, hypertension is a comorbidity of dyslipidemia.
- Hyperuricemia
The link between hyperuricemia and hypertension has long been noted although there is still a debate about it being a direct causality. Moreover, this hyperuricemia and hypertension link is stronger in children and in adolescents than in adults. Hyperuricemia occurs when there is an increase in the uric acid levels of the blood. Uric acid causes acute vasoconstriction and endothelial damage which in turn causes hypertension.
- Syndrome X
Metabolic syndrome X is a condition that affects males more than females and is characterized by insulin resistance, central obesity, dyslipidemia, essential hypertension, and glucose intolerance. There is a correlation between metabolic syndrome X and hypertension concerning which there is ongoing research.
- Diabetes
There is a lot of commonality between diabetes and hypertension because of the similarities in etiology and disease mechanisms. Diabetes happens to damage the arteries which causes high blood pressure as the heart has to pump harder to overcome the functioning of the weakened arteries.
With that said, hypertension is linked to various conditions and is a growing concern among the youth. Moreover, it may also lead to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, get yourself checked immediately.
Conclusion
Consult with a hypertension specialist like Dr. Amitabha Saha today, especially if you are young. The poor lifestyle choices and lack of physical exercise can also lead to hypertension. Hence, making small changes in your lifestyle can help you live a healthier life.