In addition to genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices are one of the main causes of hypertension among many young people today.
The International Society of Hypertension defines hypertension as a condition characterized by increased pressure of blood flow against the artery walls. A person is diagnosed with hypertension when their systolic blood pressure exceeds 130 mmHg and their diastolic blood pressure exceeds 85 mmHg.
Hypertension is often considered a “silent killer” because it typically does not present with obvious symptoms. However, over time, various health complications can arise from this condition, affecting multiple organs such as the heart, blood vessels, brain, eyes, and kidneys.
Younger Onset of Hypertension
According to Associate Professor Nguyen Huy Thang, Vice President of the Vietnam Stroke Association, hypertension traditionally occurs in patients over 45 years old. However, he has observed that many patients are now being diagnosed with this condition as early as 30 years old.
Currently, many people in their early 30s are developing hypertension due to unhealthy lifestyles and chronic stress. (Photo: Pexels).
At a seminar on hypertension held in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Phan Thi My Nhung, a specialist at the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control, noted that previously, hypertension was often referred to as a “disease of the elderly” because it primarily affected older adults (usually over 55 years old).
However, in recent years, this condition has increasingly been observed in younger individuals due to unhealthy living habits.
According to Dr. Nhung, hypertension commonly occurs in people who have a salty diet, low potassium intake, consume few vegetables, drink alcohol excessively, smoke, exercise little, and experience frequent stress.
“Currently, many young people often consume street food that is high in fat, salt, sugar, and spices, and their lack of physical activity leads to overweight, which indirectly contributes to hypertension,” Dr. Nhung explained.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that Vietnamese people currently consume about 8-9 grams of salt per day, nearly double the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 5 grams per day. This is a significant risk factor for hypertension that many tend to overlook.
Additionally, modern life causes many young people to experience continuous stress and frequently consume alcohol and stimulants. Their busy lifestyles result in little physical activity, increasing their risk of overweight and obesity. Consequently, the risk of developing hypertension also rises.
Moreover, the disease can also appear in young individuals with a family history of hypertension or arise from idiopathic factors.
The Only Way to Detect Hypertension
According to the National Survey on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in Vietnam in 2021 by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 20.2 million Vietnamese adults suffer from hypertension, representing 26.2% of the population. Among these, approximately 60% remain undiagnosed, and nearly 70% have not received treatment.
Dr. Phan Thi My Nhung emphasized that hypertension does not have specific symptoms and many individuals may live with this condition for an extended period without realizing it until they seek medical attention or experience dangerous complications.
“The only way to detect hypertension is to regularly measure blood pressure at home or at healthcare facilities,” Dr. Nhung shared.
Individuals may suspect they have hypertension if they consistently record systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg. In such cases, they should visit the nearest healthcare facility for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
Moreover, people should establish a healthy lifestyle, maintain a scientific diet, increase physical activity, avoid stimulants, and limit alcohol consumption. Importantly, individuals need to recognize the significance of regular health check-ups to detect hypertension early.
