It is well-known that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can have serious consequences for a person’s health, such as increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

But what many people may not realize is that high blood pressure can also have a negative impact on the brain, especially when it is present in young people.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when this force is too high.

It is defined as having a systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 90 mmHg or higher.

Blood pressure can be impacted by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, and medical conditions like kidney disease.

For many people with hypertension, there may be no obvious symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer.”.

High Blood Pressure’s Effects on the Brain

High blood pressure can have a range of negative effects on the brain, many of which are not well understood. One of the most significant consequences is an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, especially in older adults.

However, recent studies have shown that high blood pressure in younger people can also have an impact on the brain.

For example, a 2019 study published in The Lancet Neurology found that high blood pressure in people under the age of 40 was associated with a higher risk of brain diseases like dementia, stroke, and brain atrophy later in life.

There are a few different ways that high blood pressure can impact the brain. One is by damaging the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

This can lead to a reduction in blood flow, as well as microbleeds or microinfarcts (small areas of damage in the brain tissue).

Another way that high blood pressure can harm the brain is by causing damage to the white matter, which is the tissue that connects different parts of the brain. This can lead to problems with cognitive function and memory.

How to Lower Blood Pressure in Youth

Given the potential risks associated with high blood pressure in young people, it is important to take steps to reduce hypertension whenever possible. Here are a few strategies that may be effective:.

Lifestyle Changes

One of the most important ways to reduce high blood pressure is through lifestyle changes.

This may involve making changes to your diet (such as reducing salt intake and eating more fruits and vegetables), exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

Medications

In some cases, medication may be necessary to lower blood pressure. There are several different types of drugs that may be effective, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Your doctor can help you determine which medication (if any) is right for you.

Stress Management

Stress can be a major contributor to high blood pressure, so learning effective stress management techniques can be helpful. This may include practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Conclusion

High blood pressure can be a serious health concern for people of any age, but particularly for young people who may not be aware of the potential long-term consequences.

By taking steps to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication, and stress management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing brain diseases and other health problems in the future.