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Hypertension in Young People: Epidemiology, Diagnostic Assessment and Therapeutic Approach
Allegra Battistoni1, Flaminia Canichella1, Giulia Pignatelli1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035-39, 00189, Rome, Italy.
Insights
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major cardiovascular risk factor. This review highlights the growing need to understand and manage hypertension in young individuals to prevent future complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant cardiovascular risk factor with high prevalence in adults and the elderly.
- Cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension predominantly affect adult and elderly populations.
- Limited evidence exists regarding the prevalence and clinical management of hypertension in younger individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reappraise the key aspects of hypertension in young individuals.
- To stimulate interest and discussion on the clinical impact of high blood pressure in youth.
- To emphasize the importance of early identification for preventing adult hypertension.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes existing knowledge on hypertension in young people.
- Focuses on prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits are increasing the risk of hypertension in children and adolescents globally.
- Early identification of hypertension in youth may prevent its progression to adulthood.
- The clinical significance of high blood pressure in young populations requires further exploration.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension in young individuals is an emerging public health concern.
- Increased attention and research are needed for the early detection and management of pediatric and adolescent hypertension.
- Addressing lifestyle factors is crucial to mitigate the long-term risks associated with early-onset hypertension.
Abstract:
High blood pressure (BP) still remains one of the most relevant cardiovascular risk factors, also due to its persistently high prevalence and growing incidence in the general adult and elderly population. Since almost all hypertension-related cardiovascular complications, mostly including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and congestive heart failure, occurred in adult and elderly individuals, evidence on both prevalence and clinical management of hypertension in young individuals are lacking. Therefore, the clinical impact of high BP levels in young populations remains to be explored. In the recent years, the attitude of the scientific community has changed and more attention was devoted to young individuals with hypertension, also in view of the fact that early identification of these subjects may prevent developing of established hypertension in adulthood. In addition, unhealthy lifestyle habits have progressively involved children and adolescents worldwide, thus contributing to further increase the risk of developing hypertension in young individuals. On the basis of these considerations, the present review is aimed at providing a brief reappraisal of the major aspects of hypertension in the young age, as well as at promoting interest and discussion on this important issue.
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Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the...
Blood Pressure

