Risk Factors Associated With Hypertension in Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Research

Background:

• Hypertension is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and renal failure.
• Identifying hypertension risk factors in young adults is critical due to increasing prevalence and long-term health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify key risk factors associated with hypertension in young adults.
• To synthesize current research on modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed using terms like "Hypertension," "young adults," and "risk factors."
• Eligibility screening and data extraction were performed on relevant studies published between 2017 and 2021.
• Key information including publication year, subject, and identified risk factors were systematically collected.

Main Results:

• The review identified several significant risk factors for hypertension in young adults: smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, obesity, sedentary behavior, high salt intake, and unhealthy lifestyles.
• Additional contributing factors included illiteracy, lack of health awareness, and societal factors like gender bias.
• Lifestyle changes influenced by Western culture were also noted as a contributing element.

Conclusions:

• Modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, being overweight, and excessive salt consumption are primary drivers of hypertension in young adults.
• Enhancing public understanding and promoting positive attitudes towards hypertension prevention and control are essential for improving health outcomes.