A recent preliminary study has revealed a concerning trend among young athletes: up to one in five, aged 10 to 31, may have pre-hypertension, a precursor to high blood pressure. This condition, if left unchecked, can lead to severe health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Key Findings

Prevalence of Pre-Hypertension

The study found that more than 20% of the athletes studied met the criteria for high blood pressure.

Teenage boys appeared to be particularly at risk, showing more than double the rates of stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension compared to adolescent girls. Additionally, 28% of athletes who played multiple sports were found to have high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Criteria

According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is 120/80 or below. Stage 1 hypertension is identified by a systolic reading (upper number) of 130-139 and/or a diastolic reading (lower number) of 80-89. 

A systolic reading of 140 or higher and/or a diastolic reading of 90 or higher indicate stage 2 hypertension.

Implications for Young Athletes

Importance of Awareness

The doctors leading the research emphasize that young people should still be encouraged to participate in sports, as an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of metabolic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. However, there is a crucial need for increased awareness of underlying conditions.

“When we think of hypertension, we often think about older patients,” said Dr. Aneeq Malik, lead author and a third-year internal medicine resident at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Dr. Malik, who also co-founded the nonprofit Saving Hearts Foundation, hosted free heart screening events where the study data was collected.

“Even people who we consider extremely healthy young adults, people who engage in physical activity, are still at increased risk,” Malik added. 

He stressed that the study results should not deter young people from being active: “Just because you are engaging in sports doesn’t necessarily mean that is the cause for why these people are at greater risk.”

Expert Opinions

The study is being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Care of the Athletic Heart Conference. While it has not yet undergone the typical scientific vetting process, it highlights a significant health issue.

“There is a stark need for an increased focus on prevention as opposed to treatment alone,” said Dr. Anuradha Lala, a cardiologist at the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, who was not involved in the study. “A huge part of prevention is adequate and appropriate screening.”

Dr. Lala also pointed out the importance of understanding the influence of racial and ethnic backgrounds on the incidence and prevalence of hypertension at earlier ages. The study found higher rates of hypertension among African American and Hispanic participants.

Recommendations for Parents

Multiple factors can contribute to high blood pressure, and Dr. Lala recommends that parents address this issue by being conscious about their children’s diet, sleep, and psychological well-being. “It’s important to manage these factors to help reduce the risk of developing hypertension,” she said.

Final thoughts 

The findings of this study underscore the importance of regular screening and awareness of hypertension in young athletes. 

While physical activity is essential for overall health, it’s crucial to monitor blood pressure and other health indicators to prevent long-term health issues. Parents, coaches, and healthcare providers should work together to ensure the well-being of young athletes, promoting both their physical activity and overall health.

The information is taken from ABC News and Yahoo News