WHY YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE MATTERS — EVEN IN YOUR 20s & 30s

Even young adults can be affected by high blood pressure. In fact, almost half of adults over the age of 20 have elevated or high blood pressure — even if they appear healthy.

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because many people don’t feel the effects until it’s too late. “High blood pressure quietly damages your heart and vessels over time, putting you at higher risk for heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. Felix Thomas, cardiologist with Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates at Sugar Land.

High blood pressure in young adults is likely caused by a combination of genetics, diet and lifestyle. Contributing factors include smoking, vaping, frequent drinking, chronic stress, excess weight, poor diet and lack of exercise.

What The Numbers Mean

Blood pressure is the force that blood applies to the artery walls as it’s pumped throughout the body. The four blood pressure categories are:

Protect Your Heart

If you’ve been having trouble controlling your high blood pressure, ask your primary care provider if you would benefit from seeing a specialist. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/heart or call 281.456.3077 .

■ Normal blood pressure: Lower than 120/80 mmHG

■ E levated blood pressure: Between 120-129/80 mmHG

■ High blood pressure, stage 1: Between 130-139/80-90 mmHG

■ High blood pressure, stage 2: 140/90mmHG or higher

Effects Of High Blood Pressure

Having elevated or high blood pressure damages your heart and arteries by:

■ Forcing your heart to pump harder Over time this causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to fill with and pump blood.

■ Narrowing and hardening your arteries. This can limit the normal flow of blood. L ong-term studies reveal that having high blood pressure greatly raises your risk of developing serious health conditions later in life. This is true even if you are in your 20s and 30s.

“Uncontrolled high blood pressure in young adults greatly increases their risk for heart disease as well as stroke, kidney disease and several eye conditions later in life,” Thomas explained.

Lower Your Risk

Lowering your blood pressure involves making daily healthy decisions, including:

■ Eating healthy : Aim for a diet low in saturated and transfats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

■ Getting plenty of exercise : Aim for 60 minutes per day.

■ Limiting alcohol : Keep your alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day — or eliminate it altogether.

■ Maintaining a healthy weight : If you’re overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure.

■ Reducing sodium: Keep your salt intake under 1,500 mg/day.

■ Quitting smoking: While its effects on blood pressure are still being studied, giving up smoking greatly reduces your risk for heart attack, stroke and premature death.

Talking to your doctor about your risk factors is important, especially if you have a family history. “Make sure you start the discussion with your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently high and find out steps you can take to reduce your long-term risk factors,” Thomas said. •

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon with Houston Methodist Breast Surgery Partners at Sugar Land, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.724.4276.

Schedule Your Mammogram

Regular screenings are key to early detection. To schedule a mammogram appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/imaging or call 281.242.PINK (7465).