Beware Of Hypertension At A Young Age, Recognize Risk Factors And Prevention

Hypertension press conference at a young age The 19th Scientific Meeting of Inash, in Jakarta. (Yesica / VOI)

JAKARTA - Hypertension is a condition when blood pressure is higher than normal value, and is often called The Silent Killer because it usually occurs without any complaints. This disease can be experienced by anyone, including young people.

Hypertension at a young age or productive age affects 1 in 8 adults aged between 20 and 40 years. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) recorded a prevalence of hypertension based on the results of the tensimetre measurement of 10.7 percent in the 18-24 year age group and 17.4 percent in the 25-34 year age group.

However, SKI 2023 data also states that based on the diagnosis of doctors aged 18-24, the prevalence of hypertension was 0.4% and the age group 25-34 was 1.8%. The gap between the incidence rate based on the tensimetry and the doctor's diagnosis needs to be a concern.

This raises the suspicion that many young people are not aware of indications of hypertension, so they do not continue treatment to the doctor even though the tensimetry number is high. This of course must be fought because it is dangerous and reduces the quality of life of the nation's golden generation.

"Hypertension in young people and adolescents is a health problem that we need to fight, because incidence, level of morbidity, and mortality are increasingly substantial," said dr. BRM. Ario Soeryo Kuncoro, Sp.JP(K), FIHA, Secretary General of InASH, at The 19th Scientific Meeting of Inash, in South Jakarta, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Hypertension at a young age can occur due to several factors, especially an unhealthy lifestyle. Starting from eating foods that are high in calories and salt, lack of activity, to excessive use of gadgets.

"The increase in the number of hypertension events in children and adolescents is influenced by several factors, including an increase in obesity, children lack activities, playing too much gadgets, high calorie food intake, high salt. For teenagers, the consumption of drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine, smoking habits, mental stress, and lack of sleep, also triggers hypertension," explained Doctor Ario.

If they already suffer from hypertension at a young age, there will be a decrease in the quality of life as adults and the elderly. They will live a life with hypertension, as well as increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Therefore, prevention must be done so as not to be exposed to hypertension, especially at a young age. Starting from adopting a healthy lifestyle to doing early detection.

"The style of healthy living and early detection need to be a basis for blood pressure control, and reduce the economic burden incurred," said Prof. Dr. dr. Teguh AS Ranakusuma, Sp.N(K), Adboard Inash.