High Blood Pressure Prevalent Among U.S. Youth and Young Adults, Studies Show

Two new studies presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2024 have uncovered alarming rates of high blood pressure among youth and young adults in the United States, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications.

The first study, analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020, found that nearly 23% of young adults aged 18-39 had high blood pressure, defined as 130/80 mm Hg or greater. These individuals were more likely to face social and economic challenges, including lack of health insurance, food insecurity, and low income, compared to older adults.

Thomas Alexander, lead author and M.D.-candidate at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, stressed the importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population. The study revealed that young adults with high blood pressure and two or more social needs were approximately 80% more likely to be untreated and 70% more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure compared to those without social needs.

The second study, also utilizing NHANES 2017-2020 data, focused on youth aged 8-19 and found that 8.7% had elevated blood pressure, while 5.4% had high blood pressure, as defined by age-sex-height percentiles according to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.

Dr. Ahlia Sekkarie, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that youth with high blood pressure are more likely to maintain elevated levels into adulthood, increasing their risk for heart disease and stroke.

The study also revealed disparities in blood pressure levels among different demographics. Males had higher rates of elevated and high blood pressure compared to females, and the prevalence of elevated blood pressure increased with age. Additionally, Hispanic youth showed the lowest rates of elevated blood pressure among ethnic groups studied.

These findings underscore the critical need for targeted public health strategies to improve cardiovascular health in younger populations. Experts suggest that expanding access to affordable healthcare services, implementing programs to alleviate food insecurity, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits could help reduce the incidence of high blood pressure among youth and young adults.

Dr. Bonita Falkner, chair of the writing committee for the American Heart Association's 2023 scientific statement on pediatric hypertension, emphasized the potential generational impact of these findings. She noted that children of young adults facing social and economic challenges may represent another generation at risk for similar health consequences.

The studies' limitations include their cross-sectional nature, which prevents the establishment of direct cause-and-effect relationships. However, the research provides valuable insights into the current state of cardiovascular health among younger Americans and highlights the urgent need for preventive interventions and improved clinical strategies to recognize and manage abnormal blood pressure in youth.

As the American Heart Association continues its mission to improve cardiovascular health for all, these findings serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize early detection, prevention, and management of high blood pressure in younger populations. By addressing this issue early, there is potential to significantly reduce the long-term burden of cardiovascular disease in the United States.