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By: Aashay Edwin Maghi (CPT)
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More young adults (ages 18–39) are developing high blood pressure at alarming rates. Nearly 1 in 5 adults under 40 now has hypertension and many don’t even know it.
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Young adults consume fast food, packaged snacks, and takeout high in salt, pushing pressures upward. Excess sodium leads to water retention, increasing blood volume and straining arteries.
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Desk jobs, streaming marathons, and reduced outdoor time leave young adults inactive. Which raises blood pressure over time. Exercise boosts artery flexibility; without it, vessels stiffen and pressures climb.
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Obesity in youth is climbing, with nearly 40 % of young adults are overweight or obese. A major hypertension risk. Excess weight forces the heart to pump harder, driving up arterial pressure.
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Chronic stress, late work demands, student debt, and social pressures. These elevate cortisol and narrow vessels temporarily. Over time, repeated stress spikes can lead to sustained high blood pressure.
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Binge drinking and daily vaping are popular among young adults and harm cardiovascular health. Nicotine and booze narrow blood vessels and raise heart rate, spiking pressures.
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Family history strongly influences early hypertension. If your parents had it, your risk jumps significantly. Genetics affect kidney function and vessel tone, making some young adults more susceptible.
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Many young adults get under 7 hours’ sleep, thanks to night shifts, studying, or nightlife. Your loss of sleep raises blood pressure. Irregular sleep patterns disrupt hormonal balance, making vessels less responsive.
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Conditions like kidney issues or hormonal disorders often go unnoticed in youth, contributing to hidden hypertension. Regular health checkups can uncover these underlying causes before damage occurs.
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Get your blood pressure checked annually, even if you feel fine, many young adults are unaware they’re hypertensive. Adopt a balanced diet, move daily, manage stress, and limit alcohol to protect your heart now and later.