JAKARTA - High blood pressure is no longer synonymous with old age. In recent years, this condition has increasingly been found in younger age groups, even since the age of 30s.
Although it is often considered trivial because the symptoms are not always felt, early blood pressure increases can be an early signal of more serious health problems later.
A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension in March 2026 suggests that blood pressure in young adulthood can be an important indicator of the risk of cardiovascular disease in older age, such as entering the 50s.
Neurologist from Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, Sudhir Kumar, emphasized that a small increase in blood pressure at a young age should not be ignored.
"Every 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure is associated with a 22 percent increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease. For diastolic blood pressure, every 5 mmHg increase is associated with a 20 percent increase in risk," he explained.
According to him, the risk has begun to emerge even from blood pressure numbers that are still considered normal, namely around 120/80 mmHg, not only when it reaches the hypertension category of 140/90 mmHg. In addition, the impact of increased blood pressure is long-term and can last throughout life.
"The risk starts from normal blood pressure 120/80, not high blood pressure 140/90," he said.
Damage to blood vessels can also occur slowly without being noticed, even from a young age. This condition is not only experienced by men, but also has the same risk in women.
Dr. Kumar also highlighted the importance of paying attention to diastolic blood pressure at a young age.
"Diastolic blood pressure often reflects early vascular resistance and excessive sympathetic activity," he said.
Based on the findings of the study, individuals with blood pressure below 120/70 mmHg have the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term, so this figure is a target that should be pursued.
He also reminded that the treatment should not wait until the blood pressure reaches a high number.
"Someone has to stop thinking about getting treatment for blood pressure only after the blood pressure figure passes 140/90, and start to realize the risks early on," he said.
Therefore, awareness to monitor and control blood pressure early on is an important step to prevent the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases in the future.
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