Health practitioner and Founder of Life from 30 Hypertension Organization, Bernice Twumasi Ankrah has disclosed that young adults are now developing hypertension contrary to the popular notion that Hypertension is only developed by the aged.
Hypertension, also known as High Blood Pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. While the condition usually has no warning signs, it could lead to life threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
According to Bernice, Hypertension is the “number one contributing factor to Global death and age is not a barrier when it comes to Hypertension”. She added that most young adults are developing Hypertension. “The sad thing is that about half of these people do not know they are hypertensive and those who are aware do not take their medicines because they are in denial”, she added.
Generally, people with high blood pressure show no signs or symptoms. However, few people may have headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, especially when the condition has reached a life-threatening stage.
There are two types of High blood pressure, namely the primary high blood pressure and the secondary high blood pressure. The former tends to gradually develop over time while the latter is caused by underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, kidney problems, adrenal gland tumors, thyroid problems and use of Illegal drugs, such as cocaine, among others.
The health practitioner noted that even though there is no known cause for primary hypertension, there are risk factors. She mentioned that these risk factors include age, family history, obesity, high Intake of fatty diets, high intake of salty diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and pregnancy.
According to her, even though pregnancy reduces one’s blood pressure, there are cases where the blood pressure shoots up during pregnancy. She shared that at age 28, she was diagnosed with Hypertension when she was pregnant with her second child.
Commenting on how to prevent high blood pressure, she noted that having a healthy lifestyle can help. She stressed on the importance of eating healthy diets, getting regular exercise, being at a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, quitting or avoiding smoking as well as managing stress.
She advised that people from age 18 should check their Hypertension status and follow up with treatment should they develop Hypertension. It is recommended that young ones see their doctors for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. People who are older are to consult their doctors for a blood pressure reading every year.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah
