Hypertension in young people: a risk underdiagnosis

2023-05-17 14:01:05

Having high blood pressure is a health risk if it is not controlled and, therefore, not knowing that you have it further increases the chances of suffering health problems. This is the case of young people who, in 84.1%, are unaware that they have hypertension, a dangerous underdiagnosis.

Infographic from the Spanish Heart Foundation on how to prevent hypertension.

On World Hypertension Day, May 17, the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) indicates that 37.4% of Spaniards are unaware that they are hypertensive and, furthermore, underdiagnosis is especially high in young people between 18 and 30 years of age, since 84.1% of them are unaware.

42.6% of Spanish adults have hypertension, when blood pressure is above 140/90 mmHG, with normal being below 120/80 mmHg.

“If these figures are exceeded, the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, aneurysms and other health problems increases,” says the FEC.

Hypertension is more prevalent in men than in women: 49.9% of them suffer from it compared to 37.1% of women.

Hypertension in the Spanish population. Infographic of the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC).

How to reduce hypertension

Among the actions to reduce hypertension in young people and adults, the FEC emphasizes the need to lose weight, increase physical activity, limit salt and alcohol intake, stop smoking and take the medication recommended by the doctor.

Also, it is important to monitor and measure blood pressure levels regularly.

It is advisable to take blood pressure at different ages to avoid hypertension also in young people.

‘Covenants for your heart’

The ‘PACTS for your heart’ campaign was launched a few months ago by the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC).

Its objective is to make society aware of the main cardiovascular risk factors and encourage the population to commit to caring for their heart.

Each of the letters of the word PACTS refers to one or more of these factors: P (blood pressure), A (diet), C (cholesterol and pollution), T (smoking), O (obesity), S (sedentary lifestyle and emotional health).