Unusual Increase in Hypertension Among 20s and 30s... Obesity and Stress Identified as Causes

29.2% Increase in Patients Over the Last 5 Years
Over 60% Rise Among Women in Their 20s
Low Awareness and Treatment Rates of Hypertension
"Active Blood Pressure Management is Crucial"

Professor Kim Hyemi of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Hospital is measuring blood pressure.
[Photo by Chung-Ang University Hospital]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The trend of increasing hypertension patients among young people in their 20s and 30s is becoming serious. Over the past five years, the number has surged by nearly 30%, with a significant rise in hypertensive women in their 20s. The medical community is emphasizing the need for continuous blood pressure management from a young age.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 11th, the number of patients aged 20 to 39 who received treatment for hypertension increased by 29.2%, from 195,767 in 2017 to 252,938 last year. In particular, hypertensive patients in their 20s increased by 44.4% during the same period, and among them, women in their 20s rose by as much as 61.8%.

Experts believe that obesity and stress are influencing the increase in hypertension patients among the young. Professor Kim Hye-mi of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Hospital explained, "Recently, among young people, consumption trends such as mukbang, delivery food, and eating out have led to eating a lot of salty and greasy foods, while exercise has decreased due to busy schedules, resulting in an increasing obesity rate. Also, long-term COVID-19 and employment difficulties have heightened mental stress, which seems to be causing an increase in young hypertension."

In fact, the number of obese patients aged 20 to 30 in Korea rose by 65.5%, from 6,340 in 2017 to 10,493 last year. According to U.S. studies, obesity is highly correlated with hypertension. Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity and the secretion of neurotransmitters that raise blood pressure, thereby elevating blood pressure. Stress also raises blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, according to research findings.

However, despite the increasing number of patients, active treatment rates remain low. According to data presented by Professor Kim at the Korean Society of Hypertension last year, the awareness rate of hypertension among people in their 20s and 30s was 17%, and the treatment rate was only 14%. Professor Kim said, "The more people think they are healthy or have fewer opportunities to measure their blood pressure, the lower their awareness of hypertension. This is predicted to be due to a lack of awareness of chronic diseases and insufficient health management among young people."

Normal blood pressure is below 120 mmHg systolic and below 80 mmHg diastolic. The prehypertension stage is systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg. Even at a young age, it is necessary to pay attention to your blood pressure regularly and measure it frequently. Additionally, to improve obesity, which causes hypertension, regular exercise, reducing intake of greasy foods and carbohydrates, and adopting a proper diet rich in dietary fiber from vegetables, fish, and nuts, along with efforts to manage stress, are necessary.

Professor Kim emphasized, "Hypertension, regardless of age, increases the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications when exposed for a long time, so active blood pressure management is important. If diagnosed with hypertension in your 20s or 30s, it is necessary to consult a cardiology specialist for active management and treatment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.