The Rising Incidence of Hypertension among Young African Adults

Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure within an individual’s arteries is higher than normal. Usually, two elevated BP readings (greater than or equal to 140/90mmHg) gotten on two different occasions, at least 4 hours apart, are sufficient to make a diagnosis of hypertension. Hypertension remains one of the most important causes of death worldwide, and research has shown that the incidence of the disease among young people is not as low as previously believed.

In this article, the prevalence of hypertension among young Africans, the causes, features and the prevention strategies will be discussed. Survey of the global burden of hypertension revealed that over a quarter of the world’s adult population was hypertensive in 2000, and that the figure is expected to increase by another five percent by 2025. The disease is estimated to be responsible for about 7.5milion deaths annually. Raised blood pressure in itself, doubles the risk for several health conditions such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral

artery disease. Its prevalence differs among populations in the different continents, countries and communities.

Concerning Nigeria in West Africa, hypertension emerges as the most significant non-communicable disease and places considerable burden on families and the health system. In Kenya (East Africa), the prevalence of hypertension among adults stands at almost 25%, and the incidence among young adults is reportedly on the rise, owing to

increased number of risks. In South Africa, the prevalence of hypertension among adolescents and young adults (aged 15-24 years) became almost double between 2000 and 2010, and is reportedly still increasing.

The rising incidence of hypertension among young African adults has been linked with a

number of risk factors: modifiable and non-modifiable. Factors like obesity, excessive

consumption of red meat, drinking alcohol, physical inactivity, low fruits/vegetable intake and smoking tobacco are some of the adjustable risk factors. The non-adjustable causal factors include having a first degree relative with hypertension, increasing age (30-35years) and being a male. Additionally, about 10% of young hypertensives have what is termed secondary hypertension. This means that their hypertension is caused by an underlying disease such as renal artery stenosis, kidney disease, primary hyperaldosteronism, some medications like oral contraceptive pills, and abuse of some substances eg cocaine. More often than not, young people with hypertension have no symptoms. A good number of the cases being discovered incidentally during health screenings.

This therefore, emphasizes the importance of periodic health screenings. A few cases may however, present as hypertensive emergency, having heart or kidney failure for instance. Thus, young hypertensives may be very healthy looking or have symptoms and signs related to the background disease causing their hypertension. Once a diagnosis of hypertension is made, the clinician thoroughly examines the individual’s body for any signs. Standard practice also demands that the hypertensive carries out a number of tests to ascertain the condition of some vital organs and investigate the nature/cause of the hypertension.

The management of hypertension largely depends on the nature and cause of the disease. If a young person has secondary hypertension, treatment of the background condition will cure the hypertension. However, for persons with primary hypertension, the treatment usually involves a mixture of drugs and lifestyle modifications. Modern medicine emphasises prevention of hypertension, especially among young adults, because prevention is way cheaper and less burdensome than the treatment. Effective ways to prevent hypertension may include by increasing physical activity, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol use, quitting tobacco smoking, reducing consumption of processed foods, to mention a few. To conclude, hypertension among young adults in Africa is no longer as rare as previously imagined. This increase in incidence has been linked with an increase in many risky behaviors including alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and substance use. Overall, observation of a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in curbing the health menace.

Dr. KENECHUKWU ANONA

Medical Doctor, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bachelors degree of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ibadan