Early Thirties & High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects people of all ages, and it is not unusual for adults in their early 30s to have this condition. There may be an underlying cause to the hypertension, or the reasons a person at this age develops high blood pressure may not be identifiable.
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Identification
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According to the U.S. Department of Human Health and Services, high blood pressure affects 1 in 4 Americans older than 18. Anyone can get high blood pressure.
Age Factors
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According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure becomes more common as people get older, and a high percentage of elderly people will develop hypertension. Adults in their early 30s who already have high blood pressure face the possibility of serious health risks as they get older unless they control the condition.
Types
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There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. With primary hypertension, the causes are unknown. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a family history of hypertension or are black, you are at greater risk of developing primary hypertension when you are younger. With secondary hypertension, there is an identifiable cause, such as congenital heart defects or kidney abnormalities. If you are in your early 30s and develop high blood pressure, your doctor may check for a secondary cause.
Risk Factors
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The Mayo Clinic notes various risk factors that people in their early 30s should evaluate if they have hypertension. These include being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and over-consumption of tobacco, alcohol and salt.
Treatments
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For relatively young individuals--such as those in their early 30s--who have high blood pressure, the first step in treatment is generally lifestyle changes. If that does not work, then medication may be necessary.
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