Blood pressure readings have two numbers, the top, known as the systolic, and the bottom, known as the diastolic. The journal "Archives of Internal Medicine" cites a study that shows young males with a high systolic blood pressure of over 120 mmHg more likely to experience heart disease and stroke in middle age and older. It states that high blood pressure in young men remains unsolved, as of 2010, but notes that changes in lifestyle lowers the risk.
Family History
The American Heart Association lists genetics as a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure. It states that parents with high blood pressure can pass this trait to their offspring. If this risk exists, the AHA stresses regular monitoring of blood pressure in young men with parents, grandparents or close relatives with high blood pressure. Although hereditary traits cannot be altered, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will assist in keeping blood pressure at normal levels.
Obesity and Diet
The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute states that the rise of obesity in teenagers puts this population at risk of high blood pressure. The institute reports that young men, especially of African-American and Mexican-American descent, are more likely to succumb to high blood pressure than Caucasian men. This risk increases with obesity. A diet high in sodium also contributes to high blood pressure, as does increased alcohol consumption.
Inactivity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that adolescents decrease their daily activity dramatically from the ages of 12 to 21. Lack of physical exercise in young men may increase body mass and put an increased strain on the heart. MayoClinic.com cites guidelines that recommend an hour of physical activity most days of the week. This assists in lowering weight, relieving stress and decreasing the heart's load, thus preventing or lowering high blood pressure.
Smoking
Nicotine narrows the arteries, which in turn exposes young men to increased blood pressure and heart rate. MayoClinic.com states that many of the 4,800 chemicals in tobacco may cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which increases blood pressure. The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke decreases the oxygen in the blood, making the heart pump faster and raising high blood pressure.
Immaturity at Birth
The journal "Circulation" cites a study that shows young men who are born prematurely may exhibit signs of high blood pressure. The earlier the birth, the more susceptible the individual. This is more apparent in the high systolic reading than the diastolic reading, although both numbers are higher with decreased weight due to preterm birth.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Relationship of Blood Pressure to 25-Year Mortality Due to Coronary Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Diseases and All Causes in Young Adult Men; Katsuyuki Miura, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; June 2001
- American Heart Association: Understand Your Risk for High Blood Pressure
- National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute: Who Is at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Disease
- "Circulation"; Hypertension: Risk of High Blood Pressure Among Young Men Increases With the Degree of Immaturity at Birth; Stefan Johansson, M.D. et al.; November 2005
