High blood pressure, even only slightly, can pose dangerous risks
10:21 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008
More than 30 percent of young adults in America have pre-hypertension, blood pressure that is not elevated enough to qualify as hypertension but is higher than normal.
This is defined as a systolic pressure -- or top number -- of 130 to 139, or a bottom number -- or diastolic pressure -- of 80 to 89.
Related links
Pre-hypertension on MayoClinic.com
Living with high blood pressure, even if it's only slightly raised, can take a toll over the long-term.
Doctors tracked more than 3,500 adults aged 18 to 35 for 20 years and found that about one in five developed pre-hypertension. These patients were 22 percent more likely to have calcium deposits build up in their arteries, which raises the odds of heart attack and stroke.
Young men, especially those overweight or African American, were most likely to be diagnosed with pre-hypertension.
Experts recommend people, with even mild high blood pressure, take steps to lower their risk. This includes reducing salt in your diet, not smoking, getting more exercise and limiting alcohol intake.
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