KOMPAS.com – Maybe all this time you have always heard that the group that is often diagnosed with hypertension or blood pressure height are those who are adults and the elderly.
However, did you know research shows that pressure blood height can also be experienced by young children.
Blood pressure high at a young age A study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, published in the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, says, people who are active, such as young people and athletes, are often considered free of diseases such as hypertension.
“However, the increased prevalence of risk in young people, such as obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease, increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in younger adults,” the researchers wrote, as reported by Healthline.
Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin, and his research colleagues, conducted the largest study yet looking at the condition known as hypertension systolic isolated (ISH) at a young age.
They concluded that young people with this condition are at risk for future hardening of the arteries, which is linked to an increased risk of stroke and damage to the kidneys and brain.
Also read: Can High Blood Pressure Occur in Young People?
Normal blood pressure should be at 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic). If it is 140/90 or higher, this is high blood pressure.
It should be noted that in the case of ISH, only the upper (systolic) number was high, while the lower number was within the normal range.
“Young people with high blood pressure, even those with only a high systolic number but a normal diastolic number, may have an abnormally stiff aorta and this should not be ignored,” says Vongpatanasin.
Vongpatanasin advised to immediately consult a doctor to find out the treatment needed.
How to prevent high blood pressure
Reporting from Medline Plus, one way to prevent high blood pressure is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
In more detail, here are ways to prevent high blood pressure that needs to be done:
1. Eat healthy food
To help manage blood pressure, sodium (salt) consumption should be limited while potassium intake from food should be increased.
It is also important to eat lower-fat foods, such as lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
2. Regular exercise
Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.
Try to do at least 2 and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is physical exercise that makes the heart beat faster so the body needs more oxygen than usual.
3. Keep your weight healthy
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help control high blood pressure and reduce the risk of other health problems.
4. Limiting alcohol consumption
Also read: How to Prevent and Overcome High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
In addition, alcohol consumption also adds extra calories, which can lead to weight gain.
5. Quit smoking
Not only harmful to the lungs, smoking can also increase the risk of blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
If needed, consult a health care provider for advice on how to quit smoking.
6. Manage stress
Learning how to manage stress can improve emotional and physical health and lower high blood pressure.
Also read: 4 Dangers of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Some of these stress management techniques include exercising, listening to music, focusing on something quiet or peaceful, and practicing meditation.
(Source : Kompas.com Author : Lulu Lukyani Editor : Lulu Lukyani)
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