the Risks of High and Low Blood Pressure in Young Adults

Is high or low blood pressure dangerous?

Dr.
Chen: Hello! I previously underwent a physical examination for military service at Taipei Provincial Hospital, and later they notified me to go for a re-examination! The department for my re-examination is (blood pressure xx), and the last two characters seem to be important, but I can't understand what they are writing! My type of re-examination is (initial consultation)! I would like to ask you, if my blood pressure is too high or too low, could that pose a significant risk for me as a 19-year-old? Also, what does the term (initial consultation) for the re-examination mean? Additionally, besides high or low blood pressure, what other conditions should I be aware of? How can I prevent or remedy these issues?

A-Dai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/10/06

Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine

The initial consultation is the first medical visit, and typically, we do not treat abnormal blood pressure during this visit, as there are many factors that can influence blood pressure, such as time zone changes (lower in the morning, higher in the evening), eating, exercise, anger, anxiety, stress, sudden changes in temperature, insomnia, and alcohol consumption (all of which can cause elevated blood pressure).
Usually, treatment begins only after three consecutive abnormal readings.
Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 95 mmHg or higher in adults.
Hypertension can lead to complications in various organs, including the blood vessels, brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes, resulting in conditions such as stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, retinal hemorrhage, and vision impairment.

Hypotension is defined as blood pressure lower than 90/60 mmHg.
If low blood pressure does not cause any discomfort, it does not require special attention.
However, if symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or fatigue occur due to low blood pressure, it may indicate inadequate blood supply to various organs, particularly the brain, which is highly sensitive to ischemia and hypoxia.
When blood pressure is low, cerebral blood flow can slow down or even temporarily stop, making it easier for thickened blood to form clots on already hardened vessel walls, potentially leading to conditions such as cerebral infarction and dementia, similar to hypertension.
Approximately 95% of patients with hypertension have no identifiable cause, which may be related to aging, menopause, excessive salt intake, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood lipid levels, and smoking, referred to as essential hypertension.
The remaining 5% may have secondary hypertension due to chronic kidney disease, renal vascular disease, endocrine disorders, or aortic stenosis, which can be treated.
Hypotension is more common in young women and is associated with a slender physique and heavy menstrual bleeding; chronic blood loss and autonomic dysfunction can also contribute to low blood pressure.
To prevent hypertension, it is advisable to choose fresh foods and avoid pickled and processed foods (such as pickles, salted vegetables, and canned goods); limit the intake of foods high in sodium (such as noodles, candied fruits, and biscuits); avoid excessive consumption of sodium-rich vegetables (such as celery, carrots, seaweed, and sprouted beans); use vegetable oils for cooking and limit animal fats and high-cholesterol foods (such as pork skin, chicken skin, duck skin, organ meats, egg yolks, crab roe, fish roe, shrimp roe, lobster, and oysters); strive to maintain an ideal body weight; minimize the use of spicy seasonings; avoid smoking and drinking alcohol; limit tea and coffee consumption; and engage in regular moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and folk dancing).
To prevent hypotension, consider a high-salt diet, drink plenty of water, consume more soups, eat protein-rich foods, and appropriately increase carbohydrate and fat intake; wear compression stockings and actively participate in physical exercise.

Reply Date: 2003/10/06

More Info

Understanding the risks associated with high and low blood pressure in young adults is crucial for maintaining overall health. Blood pressure is a vital sign that reflects the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two numbers: systolic (the pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic (the pressure between heartbeats). Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg.

Risks of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
In young adults, high blood pressure can be particularly concerning. While hypertension is often associated with older age, it can occur in younger individuals due to various factors such as genetics, obesity, high salt intake, lack of physical activity, and stress. The risks associated with high blood pressure include:
1. Cardiovascular Disease: Chronic hypertension can lead to heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. The heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and other complications.

2. Kidney Damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.

3. Vision Loss: Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to vision problems or blindness.

4. Cognitive Impairment: There is evidence suggesting that high blood pressure can affect cognitive function and increase the risk of dementia later in life.

Risks of Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
On the other hand, low blood pressure, defined as readings below 90/60 mmHg, can also pose risks, although it is often less concerning than hypertension. In young adults, hypotension can lead to:
1. Dizziness and Fainting: Low blood pressure can result in inadequate blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.

2. Fatigue and Weakness: Insufficient blood flow can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness, impacting daily activities.

3. Shock: In severe cases, extremely low blood pressure can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Initial Diagnosis and Follow-Up
The term "初診" (initial diagnosis) refers to your first visit to a healthcare provider for evaluation. During this visit, the doctor will assess your blood pressure and may recommend further testing if abnormalities are detected. It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you have a family history of hypertension or other risk factors.

Prevention and Management
To manage and prevent both high and low blood pressure, consider the following strategies:
1. Healthy Diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit salt intake to help manage blood pressure levels.

2. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

4. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol consumption and high caffeine intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

5. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.

6. Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider for blood pressure monitoring and overall health assessments are essential.

7. Stay Hydrated: For those prone to low blood pressure, increasing fluid intake can help maintain blood volume and pressure.

Conclusion
In summary, both high and low blood pressure can pose risks to young adults, but with appropriate lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring, these risks can be managed effectively. If you have concerns about your blood pressure readings, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

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