Minh, 1,72 m tall and weighing 72 kg, was slightly overweight, but his waist circumference of 100 cm (normal for men is below 90 cm) indicated abdominal obesity. Doctor, Second Degree Specialist Le Anh Tuan, from the Cardiology Department at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, reported the patient's blood pressure as 161/102 mmHg in the right arm and 151/97 mmHg in the left arm (normal adult blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg). Minh was diagnosed with stage two high blood pressure, significantly above the recommended threshold.

Because the condition appeared early at age 35, doctors ordered additional tests to assess cardiovascular risk. Heart ultrasound results showed no left ventricular hypertrophy or myocardial damage, indicating early detection of the disease.

Doctor Tuan advised the patient on lifestyle changes and a blood pressure-lowering treatment regimen. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

According to Doctor Tuan, high blood pressure in young people can be linked to a combination of lifestyle and metabolic factors. Smoking is a risk factor for increasing blood pressure, as it can damage the vascular endothelium and promote atherosclerosis. Prolonged sleep deprivation disrupts the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and blood pressure-regulating hormones. Overweight and abdominal obesity are signs of visceral fat, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders and high blood pressure.

If not controlled promptly, prolonged high blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, patients face risks such as myocardial hypertrophy, heart failure, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, or chronic kidney failure.

Minh was advised to adopt lifestyle changes: quit smoking, increase physical activity, follow a healthy diet, lose weight, improve sleep, and undergo appropriate blood pressure-lowering treatment. After one week, his blood pressure dropped to 118/70 mmHg, and his headaches disappeared. Two weeks later, his blood pressure remained stable at 120/76 mmHg, and his health stabilized.

High blood pressure is a chronic condition, so Minh still needs to maintain treatment and regular follow-up appointments. If patients stop medication on their own, blood pressure can silently rise again, increasing the risk of complications.

Doctor Tuan noted that many believe high blood pressure only affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, numerous cases occur in people aged 30-40, often linked to lifestyle factors. According to cardiovascular association recommendations, adults diagnosed with high blood pressure before 40 should undergo screening for secondary high blood pressure. Causes of secondary high blood pressure include: sleep apnea syndrome, primary aldosteronism, kidney disease, pheochromocytoma, heavy alcohol consumption, aortic coarctation, and more.

Doctor Tuan advises individuals with cardiovascular risk factors to measure their blood pressure regularly, even if they feel healthy. Young people exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms, especially when combined with smoking, being overweight, abdominal obesity, insufficient sleep, or prolonged snoring, should seek early medical attention.

Ly Nguyen

*The patient's name has been changed