What to Know About High Blood Pressure in Young Men

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a health condition where the blood exerts more pressure, higher than normal, on the walls of arteries.

The prevalence of hypertension using 2017 ACC/AHA was 30.2% (95% CI: 25.4–35.6) among Emirati nationals and 44.9% (95% CI: 39.2–50.8) among Arab nationals.

However, we know there is a lot of Hypertension out there and most people are unaware that they have this condition.

Do you think high blood pressure is an “older man’s health problem”? Then you may be surprised to hear that nearly one-third (31.2%) of males ages 18-39 have hypertension, or blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg., in general population.

Why are more young men experiencing hypertension?

While risk factors such as obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise are becoming more common for both sexes, “younger men have a higher prevalence of (other) risk factors for hypertension—such as smoking and alcohol use—compared to younger women,”

Among athletes, medications like steroids, doping agents and some over-the-counter pain relievers can also boost blood pressure.

Hypertension usually has no symptoms and goes unnoticed until a routine exam reveals its presence. Left untreated, the condition can lead to a host of issues, including sexual dysfunction, vision loss, kidney problems, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

If I have no symptoms, how can I tell if I have high blood pressure?

If you’ve never had your blood pressure checked, it would be a good idea to check it as soon as possible. And maybe better on a new appointment with your doctor. Especially if it’s been a while since your last physical exam.

It’s recommended that all adults get their blood pressure checked by a doctor at least once per year.

Why is tracking my blood pressure so important?

Researchers have discovered that rising blood pressure affects the body over a lifetime, leading to disease in midlife and later. In fact, recent studies have shown that decades of rising blood pressure can raise your risk of heart disease and cognitive problems.

People who exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet and don’t smoke can still inherit hypertension.

Normal blood pressure ranges up to 120/80 ("120 over 80") but blood pressure can rise and fall with exercise, rest, or emotions.

·       Healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80.

·       Pre-high blood pressure (prehypertension) is from 120/80 to 139/90.

·       Stage I high blood pressure ranges from 140/90 to 159/99.

·       Stage II high blood pressure is over 160/100.

What happens if my blood pressure is 130/80 or higher?

If your blood pressure reading is high at two separate office visits, your doctor could confirm a diagnosis of hypertension using either an ambulatory monitor or a home monitor.

The ambulatory monitor is a device you’ll wear for 24-48 hours. It inflates and deflates every 15-30 minutes and captures blood pressure readings when you’re awake and when you’re asleep. If a hypertension diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to treat it.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension can be detected through some of the visible symptoms like

·        Dizziness

·        Occasional fainting

·        Increased heart palpitations

·        Frequent headaches

·        Excessive sweating

·        Nausea

·        Nose bleeding 

How is hypertension treated in younger adults?

If your blood pressure is elevated, you’ll need to make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and eating a healthier diet. Depending on your risk factors—such as obesity, smoking or having relatives with high blood pressure—you may also need to take medication.

And referring to many myths and misunderstandings about blood pressure medications and side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or urinary frequency. . . Your doctor will work with you to find medication that will lower your blood pressure without causing unwanted symptoms. And order some blood tests to check for contributing causes and coexistent conditions like Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia or other.

How can I prevent hypertension?

A few lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

·       Get physically active

·       Lose any excess weight

·       Eat a healthy diet

·       Get adequate sleep

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid drinking excess alcohol

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

The good news is that, if we treat it, we can prevent those bad things from happening.

Sources :

-            World Health Organization (WHO) – Hypertension 16 March 2023

-            The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (2017 Guideline)

-            2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults: report from the panel members appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8). JAMA. 2014 Feb 5;311(5):507-20.