Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Blood Pressure in Young Adults in Iowa
Esra'a I Khader1, Linnea A Polgreen1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Insights
Young adults with high blood pressure (HBP) are frequently undiagnosed for hypertension (HTN). Only 17.4% of eligible young adults received an HTN diagnosis, highlighting a critical gap in early detection and cardiovascular event prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) is prevalent in young adults but often remains undiagnosed.
- Early detection and management of HTN are vital for preventing cardiovascular complications.
- Young adults exhibit lower awareness and diagnosis rates for HTN compared to older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify young adults (18-40) in Iowa with high blood pressure (HBP).
- To determine the percentage of these young adults diagnosed with HTN within two years.
- To identify risk factors associated with delayed HTN diagnosis in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study analyzing electronic health records from 2016-2022.
- Inclusion criteria: adults aged 18-40 with at least three elevated blood pressure readings (≥140/90 mmHg).
- Follow-up for two years to ascertain HTN diagnosis; Cox regression used for time-to-diagnosis analysis.
Main Results:
- Out of 22,299 adults with HBP, 7,523 (33.7%) were young adults (18-40).
- Only 17.4% of young adults with HBP received an HTN diagnosis within two years.
- Young adults experienced a longer time to diagnosis compared to older individuals; specific risk factors like male sex, minority ethnicity, and comorbidities shortened this time.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of young adults with HBP remain undiagnosed, posing a risk for future cardiovascular events.
- The low diagnosis rate underscores the need for enhanced screening protocols and targeted interventions for young adults.
- Addressing age-related underdiagnosis is crucial for mitigating long-term health consequences of untreated hypertension.
Abstract:
Hypertension (HTN) is common among young adults, but often undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent cardiovascular events. However, young adults are less aware of their HTN and are diagnosed less frequently. This study aims to identify adults aged 18-40 in Iowa with high blood pressure (HBP) and determine the percentage diagnosed with HTN and associated risk factors. This retrospective observational study analyzed electronic health records from the University of Iowa Healthcare outpatient, inpatient, and emergency departments between 2016 and 2022. We included adults aged 18-40 with at least three elevated BP readings (systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90). Patients were followed for 2 years to identify those diagnosed with HTN. Summary statistics were calculated, and a Cox regression model assessed the time to HTN diagnosis. We identified 22,299 adults with at least three HBP readings. Among 7,523 young adults with at least three elevated BP readings, only 17.4% received a HTN diagnosis within 2 years. Most diagnoses occurred in outpatient (57.2%), followed by emergency (24%) and inpatient (17.5%) settings. Young adults had a significantly longer time to diagnosis than older populations. Young males, African Americans, Hispanics, patients with diabetes or dyslipidemia, and patients with more healthcare visits had shorter times to diagnosis. In conclusion, 7,523 out of 22,299 (33.7%) patients with HBP were young adults, with only 17.4% diagnosed with HTN within 2 years. The low diagnosis rate is concerning, given the potential for long-term cardiovascular complications. Improved screening protocols and targeted interventions are needed to address age-related underdiagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:24Blood Pressure
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure