One third of young people in UK suffer from high BP

LONDON - A new UK study has found that more than a third of young people suffer from high blood pressure - thanks to drinking, bad diet and lack of exercise.

Experts say that high levels of hypertension increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Shafeeque Mohammed, a health expert at Lloydspharmacy who carried out the survey, described the rise high blood pressure in young people as of ‘particular’ concern.

“Although we must bear in mind that a one-off blood pressure test is not conclusive, cumulatively the average readings were higher than anticipated,” the Daily Mail quoted Mohammed as saying.High blood pressure is something that most people don’t think they need to worry about until later in life, but it can affect you at any age.

“It’s important for young adults to recognise the risk and take action by managing their lifestyles carefully,” Mohammed added.

The study involved an analysis of 8,586 blood pressure tests, which were conducted between January and June this year.

It found 35 per cent of 16-34-year-olds had a high blood pressure reading, which is one that exceeds 140/90 millimetres of mercury.

Four per cent of that age range had a reading of 180/110, regarded as a very high level.

The survey also found that one in ten adults over the age of 55 showed signs of severe or very severe hypertension, putting themselves at serious risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Men were found to be higher than women, with three in four classed as having high normal blood pressure or some level of hypertension. (ANI)