Learn about the connection between teens and high blood pressure – and how it increases the danger of cardiovascular disease.
While many conditions can be diagnosed due to their symptoms, hypertension has no inherent symptoms, making it hard to detect. According to researchers in the CEU Cardenal Herrera University (CEU UCH) of Valencia, this unsuspecting condition also affects teens.
Publishing their research in the journal Scientific Reports, high blood pressure (hypertension) affects 14.8% of teen participants in the Valencian Community. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension is twice as high in boys when compared to girls.
In addition to these findings, the report shows that almost one-third of these teens are overweight (considering their waist to height ratio).
The Study
Consisting of 4,402 teenagers from the Valencian Community, the study gave the participants questionnaires regarding their lifestyle habits. The teens, ages 11 through 18, gave answers regarding things like physical activity and adhesion to the Mediterranean diet.
In addition to the questionnaire, researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure, weight, height, and waist size. According to the authors, while Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally a good predictor of health, it was different this time around.
“We have found that at these ages, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) [provides a better link] to blood pressure and is easier to measure,” they said. There were other discoveries relating to high blood pressure and risk factors among teens.
“The observed modifiable factors that most impact hypertension among teenagers are the waist-to-height ratio, the body mass index and the bad habit of not eating breakfast,” said the authors.
Purpose of the Study
According to the researchers, the purpose of the study was to go beyond assessing the prevalence of hypertension in teens. The purpose was to “study its link with other risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases of hypertension.”
With this knowledge, researchers are hoping to improve their knowledge on public health so they can provide better advice on diets. The results of the study demonstrate the importance of self-care in teen populations and efficiently monitoring these factors.
Hypertension in Young Adults
While this study focuses on teens from the Valencian Community, it’s important to consider the risks of hypertension at an early age. Hypertension is one of the leading factors in heart disease, stroke, and overall cardiovascular disease.
According to a recent JAMA study, a high number of Americans ages 18 through 44 don’t even know they have high blood pressure. Because of the lack of symptoms, it’s important to monitor blood pressure levels at all ages, as it can be a ticking time bomb in young adults.
Dr. Barbara Ruddy, a Mayo Clinic internal medicine physician, says that many young adults don’t know their blood pressure levels.
“People will come in and have a significantly elevated blood pressure that’s probably been elevated for several years,” says Dr. Ruddy. “It is dangerous because although they may feel fine, down the road, it could cause them significant health issues.”
Improving High Blood Pressure
The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels is to lead a healthy lifestyle. In other words, you should get regular exercise, eat well-balanced meals, and maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to being healthy, you can give your system a boost by taking circulation supplements. One of the best heart health supplements on the market is L-arginine Plus.
It combines powerful ingredients like l-arginine, l-citrulline, and key vitamins and minerals to promote natural circulation in the body. According to Dr. Ruddy, “there’s many ways to help normalize your blood pressure… through diet and lifestyle… [and] medications.”
It’s important to eat a heart-healthy diet, have regular physical activity, and add a great boost to your heart health with L-arginine Plus.