Quarter Of Young Americans Suffer From Health Time Bomb
Two recent studies reveal a growing epidemic of high blood pressure among young adults and children in the United States. According to the first study, nearly 25% of individuals between 18 and 39 years old have blood pressure levels exceeding the healthy threshold of 130/80. In a separate study focusing on children, around 14% of those aged 8 to 19 were found to have elevated or high blood pressure.
These findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) scientific sessions in Chicago and emphasize the widespread nature of hypertension among young populations. Dr. Bonita Falkner, who contributed to the AHA’s 2023 scientific statement on pediatric hypertension, highlighted the concerning rates of hypertension in young adults and the impact of social determinants, such as poor education, low income, and food insecurity, on cardiovascular health.
The first study used data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and found that almost 23% of young adults had high blood pressure. Those most affected were often uninsured or faced economic challenges. The study revealed that individuals with multiple unmet social needs were significantly more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure, emphasizing the importance of addressing social factors to improve health outcomes.
The second study, which focused on children, found that 9% of kids aged 8 to 19 had elevated blood pressure, while over 5% had high blood pressure. Boys, especially those with severe obesity, were more likely to be affected. Researchers stress the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise to help reduce the risk of hypertension and prevent future heart disease and stroke.
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