Risk factors for hypertension begin early in life and disproportionally affect minorities

In a recent study, blood pressure elevation in a person’s 20’s was the strongest predictor of heart failure later in life.  The lowest rate of awareness, treatment and control of blood pressure is among young adults.  Hypertension / high blood pressure is on the rise nationally, highest in Black women, lowest in Latinos.  At 44%, African American adults have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world.

Being obese as a youth increases the risk of high blood pressure as a youth and later in life.  1 in 100 black men and women develop heart failure before age 50.  Blood pressure elevation in participant’s 20’s was strongest predictor of heart failure.

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