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Risk factors and the prevalence of hypertension in young adults
open access
Abstract
Material and methods The cross-sectional study involved a BP measurement, in accordance with Polish Society of Hypertension and European Society of Hypertension guidelines, and the questionnaire estimating basic risk factors of hypertension in 532 students, aged 18–25. The statistical analysis was performed with EpiInfo 6.0 procedures.
Results Optimal BP was recognized in 39.3% and hypertension in 14.8% students (both more frequently in men, p < 0.001). The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was 3.7% (more frequently in men, p < 0.05). Hypertensive subjects were more frequently overweight than students with normal BP (p < 0.05). Young adults with hypertension more frequently used diet rich in fat than students with normal BP (p < 0.05). Additionally, smoking habit and family history of hypertension did not increase the risk of hypertension.
Conclusions The results revealed frequent incidence of hypertension in young adults (about 15%). The risk factors were obesity and improper diet. It justifies the necessity of cross-sectional studies in young adults to detect hypertension and to promote healthy lifestyle in young people.
Abstract
Material and methods The cross-sectional study involved a BP measurement, in accordance with Polish Society of Hypertension and European Society of Hypertension guidelines, and the questionnaire estimating basic risk factors of hypertension in 532 students, aged 18–25. The statistical analysis was performed with EpiInfo 6.0 procedures.
Results Optimal BP was recognized in 39.3% and hypertension in 14.8% students (both more frequently in men, p < 0.001). The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was 3.7% (more frequently in men, p < 0.05). Hypertensive subjects were more frequently overweight than students with normal BP (p < 0.05). Young adults with hypertension more frequently used diet rich in fat than students with normal BP (p < 0.05). Additionally, smoking habit and family history of hypertension did not increase the risk of hypertension.
Conclusions The results revealed frequent incidence of hypertension in young adults (about 15%). The risk factors were obesity and improper diet. It justifies the necessity of cross-sectional studies in young adults to detect hypertension and to promote healthy lifestyle in young people.
Keywords
hypertension; young adults; risk factors; epidemiologic cross-sectional study
Title
Risk factors and the prevalence of hypertension in young adults
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original paper
Pages
136-141
Published online
2006-04-18
Page views
2103
Article views/downloads
3897
Bibliographic record
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2006;10(2):136-141.
Keywords
hypertension
young adults
risk factors
epidemiologic cross-sectional study
Authors
Łukasz Krzych
Małgorzata Kowalska
Jan E. Zejda