The general misconception about hypertension or high blood pressure is that only older people can suffer from it. The truth is that people can get high blood pressure at an early age as well. There are two main reasons for hypertension in young people. When improper lifestyle and diet practices such as smoking, drinking, are the cause of elevated blood pressure, then the patient is said to be suffering from primary hypertension.  When there is an identifiable underlying cause for high blood pressure, then it is called secondary hypertension.

1.    Diet and Exercise: Young people who lead very inactive lives and eat a diet that is high in fats, salt and sugar, are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Fortunately for them, the effect is reversible in the sense that they can normalize their blood pressure by changing their diet and lifestyle. Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet which is based on whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables is an effective way to control high blood pressure.

2.    Smoking, drinking and drug use: These three things have never been beneficial for anyone. Smoking, drinking excessively and using drugs not only lead to high blood pressure but also to other much more serious health conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver and certain cancers. Young people who are suffering from hypertension need to quit these harmful practices to control their blood pressure.

3.    Overweight: An obese person’s body needs more blood to fulfil the requirements of the body’s tissues. Thus, if a young person is trying to normalize his blood pressure, it is important for him to lose some weight.

4.    Sleep Apnea: One of the secondary causes of high blood pressure in young people is a condition called sleep apnea in which the patient stops breathing for a period of approximately 10 to 30 seconds during sleep. This condition is usually caused by certain central nervous system disorders, obstruction of the airways and obesity. In order to control high blood pressure in such patients, it is necessary to treat sleep apnea.

5.    Hyperthyroidism: Another common cause of hypertension in young people is hyperthyroidism. This condition causes an increase in a person’s blood volume, constriction in the blood vessels and increased cardiac activity. Young people with hyperthyroidism need to deal with this problem before experiencing normal levels of blood pressure.

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