Blood pressure generally refers to the pressure exerted on the side walls of blood vessels by the flow of blood within the arteries, which is mainly driven by the expansion and contraction of the heart. Normal blood pressure is crucial for maintaining the blood pressure supply to tissues and organs, but when blood pressure remains consistently high (≥ 140/90mmHg), it is an abnormal manifestation called hypertension. Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and the main risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Nowadays, there is an increasing trend of younger people with hypertension, and many young people are also targeted by this disease, which can easily lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, limb numbness, chest tightness and discomfort. The latest survey data from the China Hypertension Annual Conference shows that there are about 300 million hypertensive patients in China, and nearly 70 million hypertensive patients under the age of 35! Hypertension has shown a clear trend towards younger people and is no longer a traditional geriatric disease. Young people must attach great importance to hypertension.
1、 Factors leading to the increasing youthfulness of hypertension
1. Genetic factors: Primary hypertension has a clear genetic tendency. Studies have shown that if one parent has hypertension or both parents have hypertension, the probability of their children developing hypertension is 3%, 28%, and 46%, respectively. Therefore, genetic factors are also one of the reasons for the youthfulness of hypertension.
2. High sodium intake: The intake of sodium in the diet is closely related to the incidence of hypertension. In order to meet the physiological needs of the human body, only 4-6g of sodium salt needs to be consumed daily. Excessive intake of sodium salt every day is also a cause of elevated blood pressure.
3. Excessive stress: According to relevant reports, stress has a certain impact on blood pressure, and one of the causes of hypertension is long-term mental stress and excessive stress. Studies have shown that individuals who experience long-term excessive stress or mental stress have a 1.5 times higher risk of developing hypertension compared to the general population. This is because excessive stress can cause the human brain to secrete substances related to elevated blood pressure, such as catecholamines, which can increase blood pressure and exacerbate vasoconstriction. If blood pressure rises excessively and the pressure on the blood vessel wall is too high, it can lead to the rupture of the blood vessel wall and cause cerebral hemorrhage, which can directly threaten the patient's life.
4. Correct and regular diet: Another major factor contributing to the younger generation of hypertension is incorrect diet. Especially young people should maintain a regular diet, avoid overeating, avoid choosing foods that affect blood pressure changes, such as excessive intake of alcohol, high salt, high-fat, high sugar and other foods, and avoid excessive energy intake that can cause blood pressure to rise.
5. Smoking factors: Long term smoking may affect the fluctuation of blood pressure in the body. Tobacco contains a large amount of harmful substances, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, etc. Long term smoking may lead to arteriosclerosis and worsen hypertension.
6. Drinking factors: Drinking alcohol has a significant impact on blood pressure, as it can both raise and lower blood pressure. So drinking alcohol is also a factor that causes unstable blood pressure in young people.
7. Lack of exercise: There are many factors contributing to the younger generation of hypertension, and those who do not enjoy exercise and gradually gain weight find it more difficult to maintain stable blood pressure control. To maintain a healthy body, sufficient exercise is necessary. During exercise, blood vessel walls dilate, blood pressure stabilizes, and excessive obesity promotes energy expenditure. Weight stability is beneficial for the prevention of chronic diseases.
8. Irregular sleep schedule: Young people are troubled by high blood pressure, which may be related to frequent staying up late. The harm caused by irregular sleep patterns is diverse, with some people experiencing premature aging, weakened immune systems, and hormonal imbalances due to irregular sleep patterns.
2、 Young people should avoid hypertension from these aspects
1. Healthy diet: adhere to a low salt, low-fat, and low sugar diet, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, mix meat and vegetables reasonably, have vegetables and fruits, and diversify food types.
2. Daily routine: Ensure sufficient sleep, learn to separate work and life, and reduce mental stress.
3. Persist in exercising: control weight, enhance cardiovascular function, and exercise can also release psychological pressure.
4. Learn to regulate psychological stress: Stress is inevitable in work and life, and one should learn to treat it with a calm mind.
5. Persist in regular physical examinations: early prevention, early monitoring, early diagnosis, and early treatment. Once blood pressure problems are found, active treatment should be sought to avoid delaying the condition.
Health is an intangible wealth, and also the greatest wealth. Faced with the trend of hypertension becoming younger and younger, none of us can be careless. Don't wait until you get sick to think about how to prevent and treat it. After all, a self disciplined life is more free. To manage oneself well is to treat oneself well both now and in the future.