Hypertension, which causes increased blood pressure, is recognized as a major health problem worldwide, affecting people of various age groups and demographic backgrounds. Hypertension can cause cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, pathological vascular changes and renal failure. It is also thought to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, and insulin resistance. The hazard ratio for men and women is 1.41 for cerebrovascular disease and 2.0 for heart disease. As a result, heart diseases are thought to be responsible for the deaths of approximately 16.7 million adults in developed and developing countries. This number is expected to reach approximately 23 million in 2030, with a growth rate of 37.72%. This situation shows the danger of high blood pressure in young people. Carney et al. described this disease as a public health threat. Data show that approximately 1 billion adults worldwide had high blood pressure in 2000. Although traditionally associated with the elderly, recent research has demonstrated the danger of high blood pressure in young people, raising concerns about long-term clean drinking health and prevention and management strategies. Factors such as urbanization, changing diets, and sedentary lifestyles have been linked to the rise of youth in Ghanaian communities. The literature is particularly interesting on the prevalence and determinants of serious illness among youth in Ghana. Understanding these health effects and their associated risks is important to inform intervention plans and strategic plans to clear the cardiovascular systems of these frail individuals. Lifestyle and nutritional factors in the development of hypertension in young adults. For example, Addo et al. highlighted the impact of urbanization and dietary changes on the prevalence of hypertension in Ghana. Similarly, Ofori-Asenso and Garcia’s findings demonstrate the role of negative behaviors and unhealthy eating patterns in the development of violence among boys and girls in low- and middle-income countries. This study presents various methods of youth mental health prevention and intervention in Ghana. The prevalence of hypertension disorders among adolescent students in Ghana is a growing public health concern. Recent studies indicate a significant occurrence of these disorders within this demographic. For instance, a study conducted by Laar et al. revealed that approximately 15% of adolescent students in urban Ghanaian schools are affected by hypertension. This increased risk has been attributed to factors such as malnutrition, lack of physical activity, and increasing obesity among young people. Additionally, Owusu et al. pointed out that health-related conflicts and lack of interest in health services lead to an increase in violence in this age group, especially in rural areas. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policies to address the increasing prevalence of hypertension among youth in Ghana, with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and improving access to healthcare. and a review of solutions designed to address the underlying causes of hypertension while promoting cardiovascular disease among Ghanaian youth.
Author(s) Details:
Abena Sekyere
Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Recent Global Research Developments in Hypertension in Youth: Prevalence and Implications
Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Its presence during childhood is associated with atherosclerosis and adverse cardiac changes. Importantly, hypertension often persists from childhood into adulthood, contributing to premature cardiovascular disease. Early identification and effective treatment are crucial, especially for at-risk individuals such as those with obesity, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
Here are some key points from recent studies:
Prevalence of Hypertension in Adolescents:
A systematic review found that pre-hypertension and elevated blood pressure had a prevalence of 9.7%, while stage 1 hypertension had a prevalence of 4.0% among participants aged 19 years or younger [1].
Hypertension is prevalent in adolescents and is associated with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
Clinical Significance and Tracking:
Hypertension often tracks from childhood to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
The clinical impact and future cardiovascular risk of hypertension in youth remain areas of active research [2].
Treatment and Prevention:
Effective management of hypertension in children and adolescents is essential for preventing premature cardiovascular disease.
Strategies include lifestyle modifications (such as diet and exercise) and, in some cases, antihypertensive medications.
For more in-depth information, you can explore research articles like “Hypertension in adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and implications” by Michael Khoury and Elaine M. Urbina and “Pediatric Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood” (a comprehensive review) [3]. These studies provide insights into etiology, progression, and long-term implications.
References
- Hisamatsu, T., & Kinuta, M. (2024). High blood pressure in childhood and adolescence. Hypertension Research, 47(1), 203-205.
- Hamrahian, S.M., Falkner, B. Approach to Hypertension in Adolescents and Young Adults. Curr Cardiol Rep 24, 131–140 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01632-x
- Meng, Y., Mynard, J.P., Smith, K.J. et al. Pediatric Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood. Curr Hypertens Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-024-01312-5
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