McLeod Cardiologist Warns Youth
That High Blood Pressure Today
Can Lead to Heart Problems Later
Dr. Brian Wall
McLeod Cardiology Associates | McLeod Heart & Vascular Institute
H
igh blood pressure is a silent killer. And it
is one that we normally associate with our
parents and grandparents.
One-third of young adults in the United States
have high blood pressure. Yet, people often do not
seem to worry about it until middle age. That may
be waiting too long.
New research indicates that teens, who have
borderline high blood pressure (140/90), have a
significantly higher risk of cardiovascular
problems later in life.
We know that 19 percent of young adults have
what qualifies as high blood pressure. Now a
25-year study has shown that blood pressure
changes starting in the teenage years may be a
predictor of cardiovascular risk once they reach
middle age.
Blood pressure generally increases with age.
When you start with a higher blood pressure in early adulthood, it will only get worse in middle age.
Patients with “high normal” blood pressure in their
20’s can end up with the heart of a 75-year-old
when they are only 45.
Part of the problem with high blood pressure
among youth can be attributed to their diet. Eating out – particularly fast food -- often results in
more salt, saturated fat and calories than eating at
home. Add to this diet a sugary drink to wash down
the food, and you are consuming a
troublesome combination that leads to obesity and
future cardiovascular problems.
KEY FINDINGS
Recent research points to several facts and findings:
• The effects of high blood pressure, when left
untreated, add up over time. The younger you
are when high blood pressure is discovered,
the greater the cumulative effect.
• A moderate to slightly elevated blood pressure at
age 18 makes a person up to four times more likely
to have a significant risk of heart disease by age 50.
• Get your blood pressure checked annually,
starting as a teen.
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
• If your teenager’s or young adult’s blood pressure
is 140/90 work with them on lifestyle changes.
• If they smoke, they should quit. HINT: Even
smokeless tobacco raises your blood pressure.
• Make sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise
5 days a week. HINT: Working a game station
controller with your fingers is not exercise.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. HINT: French fries
are not a vegetable.
• Help your youth maintain a healthy weight. HINT:
This calculator, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/
educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm>, will
help determine the desired weight.
As your child grows through the teenage years,
make sure you continue with annual visits to their
pediatrician or primary care physician. They will
monitor your child’s blood pressure and work with
you to make sure they are on the right path to a
heart healthy life.
Dr. Brian Wall is an Interventional Cardiologist with McLeod Cardiology Associates caring for adult cardiac patients.
He is also accepting new patients. Self-referrals are welcome. Appointments with Dr. Wall can be made by calling 843-667-1891.
90
FEBRUARY 2016
SHEMAGAZINE.COM