High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition found predominantly in older adults. The current health trends suggest that hypertension is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger populations, as well.

This trend poses great concerns for the health outcomes of younger individuals, since hypertension can have an adverse effect on the heart and cause long-lasting damage.

How is Blood Pressure Measured?

Blood pressure is measured in mmHg or millimeter mercury, using a sphygmomanometer. Two numbers are produced by this instrument: systolic blood pressure (higher number) and diastolic blood pressure (lower number).

The systolic blood pressure denotes the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle contracts or beats, while the diastolic blood pressure indicates the pressure in the arteries during the interval between heartbeats.

What is considered normal blood pressure in youth?

In younger populations, the normal range of blood pressure is lower than older populations. The entire range of values for normal blood pressure may vary by age, gender, and body size. Below are the normal ranges for children and adolescents:.

Children under the age of 13: Systolic blood pressure, less than 120; Diastolic blood pressure, less than 80mmHg.
Adolescents between the age of 13-18: Systolic blood pressure, less than 120; Diastolic blood pressure, less than 80mmHg.

What is considered abnormal blood pressure in youth?

Abnormal blood pressure values in youth are typically defined as values that are above the normal range for a particular age group. The following values are typically used to define hypertension in youth:.

Systolic blood pressure, greater than or equal to 130 mmHg.
Diastolic blood pressure, greater than or equal to 80 mmHg.

What are the Causes of Abnormal Blood Pressure in Youth?

Abnormal blood pressure in youth can be attributed to multiple factors. Some common causes of hypertension in the young population include:.

Obesity or being overweight
Consuming a diet high in salt, sugar, and fat
Lack of physical activity
Genetic disposition
Stress
Smoking

What are the Potential Health Effects of Abnormal Blood Pressure in Youth?

Hypertension in youth can have long-lasting and potentially serious adverse effects on the heart and the overall cardiovascular system.

Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of the arteries, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque). These changes can result in decreased blood flow to the organs and tissues, leading to multiple health issues, some of which are listed below:.

Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Damage to blood vessels throughout the body
Retinopathy or damage to the eye’s blood vessels
Dementia or cognitive decline

How Does Abnormal Blood Pressure in Youth Affect the Heart Later in Life?

People who have hypertension in their younger years are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems later in life.

Continuous exposure to high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart’s muscles and tissues, leading to various heart-related problems. The following are some of the ways in which hypertension can impact the heart later in life:.

Increase of heart size: When the heart works harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries, the heart muscle grows. This can lead to an enlarged heart or hypertrophy and cause problems with heart function.
Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat: Hypertension can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. These conditions can increase the risk of stroke and can also affect the overall cardiovascular health.
Coronary artery disease: High blood pressure can cause damage to the artery walls and eventually lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques can build up and narrow the arteries, significantly reducing blood flow to the heart or brain.
Heart Failure: When the heart is continuously overworked, it may eventually weaken or fail to pump blood properly. Over time, hypertension can cause heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure.

Preventing and Treating High Blood Pressure in Youth

Preventing or treating high blood pressure in youth is essential to avoid long-term complications. Lifestyle changes can help reduce hypertension in young people, including:.

Maintaining a healthy weight.
Choosing a healthy diet that is low in salt, sugar, and fat.
Participating in physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day, most days of the week.
Avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Managing stress.

If lifestyle changes are not effective in controlling high blood pressure, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help manage high blood pressure effectively.

Conclusion

Abnormal blood pressure or hypertension in youth is a concern and can lead to significant long-term health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Early intervention through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication can help prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of long-term complications. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout life to improve overall health and reduce the risk of hypertension and its adverse effects.