Attention 18-39 year olds! Young people who develop high blood pressure too early are at greater risk of brain atrophy in the future
The phenomenon of high blood pressure among younger people is increasing year by year. Are cardiovascular diseases and strokes caused by it?
Hypertension is a common risk factor for major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. High blood pressure not only increases the risk of related chronic diseases. Research led by Christina Lineback, a neurologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, USA, also pointed out that high blood pressure at a young age is related to structural changes in the brain after the age of 55.
The study began in 1985-1986 and followed more than 5,000 young adults aged 18-30 who had suffered from hypertension. Hypertension is defined as a standard of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) or above published by the American Heart Association. After 30 years of random interviews, Lineback found that the brain structures of these subjects began to change. MRI scans showed that specific areas of the subjects’ brains began to shrink.
Lineback claimed that the subjects’ brain damage began, on average, around the age of 55. In addition, the researchers also pointed out that the changes in brain structure were significant regardless of race or gender. The most obvious effects are damage to the brain’s “white matter” and deep structures, often associated with changes in blood vessels.
“Changes in the blood vessels in the brain may have effects such as lower brain volume, memory loss, and weakened information processing functions. In severe cases, it is more likely to cause cerebral embolism and increase the risk of stroke!” Lineback said that in this study, certain groups of people The likelihood of developing high blood pressure is even greater. All walks of life should actively address the problem of high blood pressure in young people to reduce the risk of future brain damage and more degenerative diseases.
The “silent killer” characteristics of high blood pressure are difficult to detect. If the measurement exceeds “this value”, beware of stroke and heart disease.
There are many causes of high blood pressure, which may be related to factors such as age, obesity, bad habits such as tobacco and alcohol. Because there are often no obvious symptoms when blood pressure rises, the disease is also known as the “silent killer.” The development of high blood pressure increases a range of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, sexual dysfunction and arterial disease.
The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Health Promotion Administration calls on young people over the age of 18 to have their blood pressure measured at least once a year. If the blood pressure range falls between 120/80-140/90 mmHg, it is a sign of pre-hypertension. You should immediately improve your lifestyle, such as quitting smoking and drinking, losing weight, exercising regularly, eating less high-fat and high-salt foods, and more Eat fruits and vegetables.
Taiwan Health Promotion Administration points out that patients with prehypertension should proactively consult medical personnel to evaluate subsequent changes in blood pressure. If the blood pressure value exceeds 140/90 mmHg, you should discuss with your doctor whether further treatment is needed to avoid subsequent symptoms such as heart disease and stroke.
source:
Hypertension - Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare, Health Promotion Administration
Hypertension in young adults may lead to brain changes later in life
Medical Myths: All about hypertension
Further reading:
