Factors that can increase the risk of hypertension at a young age

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Doctor of internal medicine from the University of Indonesia Hospital, dr. Anindia Larasati, Sp.PD, FINASIM, has outlined factors that can increase the risk of hypertension at a young age. Speaking to ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday, she stated that obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, such as consuming high-salt foods, drinking alcoholic beverages, and a lack of physical activity, can elevate the risk of hypertension in younger people. According to her, the habit of consuming energy drinks can also increase the likelihood of young people developing hypertension. Energy drinks can contain high levels of caffeine and sugar. If consumed continuously, such drinks can trigger an increase in heart rate and cardiac workload. “Over time, if we consume energy drinks continuously, there will be an increase in blood pressure and stiffness of the blood vessels, so the long-term effect can cause hypertension,” said dr. Anindia. She noted that the incidence rate of hypertension in young people is fairly high according to data from the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI). The Ministry of Health last conducted the SKI in 2023. Dr. Anindia cited SKI data showing the prevalence of hypertension based on blood pressure measurements in the 18–24 age group is around 10 per cent, and in the 25–30 age group it is around 17 per cent. “In the past, it might have only been found around the age of 50, but now we frequently encounter blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg in those aged 20 to 30,” she said. The recommended lifestyle changes include adopting a low-salt diet, exercising regularly or doing physical activity for 150 minutes per week, not smoking or vaping, and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid obesity. Those whose blood pressure remains high despite adopting a healthy lifestyle are advised to consult a doctor, who can recommend the use of anti-hypertensive medication according to the patient’s condition. “If other risk factors such as obesity and lifestyle can be balanced, then the dosage of hypertension medication can be reduced slowly until the patient is free from the use of hypertension drugs, if indeed the cause of the hypertension is a poor lifestyle,” said dr. Anindia.