• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
emtspot logo

TheEMTSpot

Your Blood Pressure Specialist

  • Blood Pressure
  • Guides
    • Blood Pressure Chart
    • How To Check Blood Pressure
    • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
    • How To Lower Blood Pressure
    • Foods That Lower Blood Pressure
  • Readings
  • Supplements
    • Best Blood Pressure Supplements
    • Blood Pressure Support Review
    • Blood Pressure Optimizer Review
    • Corsanum Review
  • Monitors
    • Best Blood Pressure Monitors
    • Oxiline Pressure X Pro Review
    • CheckMe BP2 Review
    • QardioArm Review
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
  • Videos
  • News
Home » Blood Pressure » Guides

Unstable Blood Pressure Readings In 20s and 30s: A Sign Of Cardiovascular Disease In Young Adults

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD | Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc
Last update: March 23, 2023

Unstable blood pressure in the 20s and 30s may lead to cardiovascular disease later in life. Let’s find out more about the problem of varying blood pressure in young adults.

young adults and high blood pressure

Quick Summary

  • Inconsistent blood pressure is pervasive in young people.
  • Studies show that almost 50% of people over 20 have elevated blood pressure.
  • Fluctuation in blood pressure in the 20s and 30s indicates cardiovascular diseases later in life.
  • Young adults with varying blood pressure readings should follow a lifestyle that reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Elevated blood pressure readings are a common issue among people between the ages of 18-40, and it affects a significant number of individuals within this age group. According to research, approximately 10-20% of young adults have inconsistent blood pressure readings.

It can be controlled by making necessary lifestyle changes and healthy choices like exercising regularly and following a healthy diet. However, it is essential to monitor and keep a check on blood pressure regularly.

This article will discuss the problem of high blood pressure in young people and the reasons behind it. We will also discuss prevention techniques and how does it affect your cardiac health later in life.

Table of contents hide
1. How Does Unstable Blood Pressure in the 20s and 30s Indicate Cardiovascular Disease Later In Life?
2. What Are The Reasons For Fluctuating Blood Pressure in Your 20s and 30s?
3. How To Prevent Inconsistent Blood pressure In Your 20s and 30s?
4. Does Inconsistent Blood Pressure In Your 20s and 30s Affect Your Overall Health?
5. Conclusion

How Does Unstable Blood Pressure in the 20s and 30s Indicate Cardiovascular Disease Later In Life?

Blood pressure fluctuations can damage the arteries, which over time, can raise the chance of developing heart disease.

Fluctuating blood pressure can also indicate an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease, which can contribute to developing heart disease later in life.

In addition, untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, leading to conditions such as heart failure or heart attack. Early intervention can help prevent or delay the onset of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health later in life.

What Are The Reasons For Fluctuating Blood Pressure in Your 20s and 30s?

There are several reasons why a person may have varying or fluctuating blood pressure readings in their 20s and 30s. Let’s discuss some of the most common reasons:

  • Poor diet: Eating a diet high in sodium, saturated fats, processed food, and low potassium in your diet can contribute to high blood pressure at a young age.
  • Stress: when a person is under stress, their blood pressure can increase temporarily. The problem arises if a person is experiencing stress frequently, which can cause frequent fluctuations in blood pressure.
  • Lack of physical activity: If a person is not moving enough, their blood pressure may fluctuate more often.
  • Family history: If one or both of your parents or siblings have high blood pressure, you also have an increased risk of getting high blood pressure.
  • Smoking and Smoking narrows blood vessels, damages artery linings, and reduces oxygen levels in the blood, raising blood pressure.
  • Alcohol consumption: Regular alcohol consumption can damage the heart muscles over time, causing an enlarged heart and elevated blood pressure.

How To Prevent Inconsistent Blood pressure In Your 20s and 30s?

You can prevent fluctuating blood pressure by incorporating these lifestyle changes into your routine:

  • Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise, as extra weight increases the risk of high blood pressure.
  • Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure. Aim for a minimum of two and a half hours of moderate-intensity workouts every week.
  • Follow a diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and processed food and high in potassium, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You can also add natural blood pressure supplements to your diet.
  • It is important to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
  • Quitting smoking is the most important thing because it is injurious for the blood vessels.
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, regular exercise and good sleep habits.
  • Use a blood pressure monitor to monitor and determine blood pressure readings regularly.

Does Inconsistent Blood Pressure In Your 20s and 30s Affect Your Overall Health?

When your blood pressure is consistently changing, it can cause damage to your arteries and organs over time.

This can increase your risk of developing health problems such as kidney disease, heart disease, vision loss, and cognitive decline. High blood pressure can also increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes, both of which can be life-threatening.

If the issue of inconsistent blood pressure is not addressed while a person is young, it substantially increases their risk of acquiring various serious health concerns in later life.

Working with your healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure to reduce your risk of developing health problems due to unstable blood pressure is essential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inconsistent blood pressure readings in the 20s and 30s can be an early warning sign of heart disease later in life. Fluctuating blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of developing heart disease.

By monitoring blood pressure regularly and making lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a balanced diet, individuals can reduce their risk of developing heart disease and improve their overall cardiovascular health.

Early intervention and management of blood pressure can help prevent or delay the onset of heart disease, emphasizing the importance of regular blood pressure screenings and seeking medical attention for any irregularities.

References

Anyaegbu Elizabeth, et.al., “HYPERTENSION IN THE TEENAGER” Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Feb; 61(1): 131–151.Published online 2013 Oct 30. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2013.09.011

Yano Yuichiro, et.al., “Blood Pressure in Young Adults and Cardiovascular Disease Later in Life” Am J Hypertens. 2021 Apr 2;34(3):250-257. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpab005.

T Tran Dieu-My, et.al., “Cardiovascular risk factors in young adults: a literature review” J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2015 Jul-Aug;30(4):298-310. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000150.

D Fuchs Flávio, et.al., “High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease” Hypertension. 2020 Feb;75(2):285-292. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.14240.

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!
Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

About Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD

Michael Rotman is a Structural Heart Specialist, Interventional Cardiologist and Scientist. He has more than a decade of experience in treating heart related desease, as well as authoring and reviewing health and wellness-related content. Currently work for a St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

You May Also Like

hypertension and aging
Hypertension and Ageing: Is High Blood Pressure in Older Age Inevitable?
blood pressure chart
A Complete Blood Pressure Chart: Normal, Elevated, High
gum disease and high blood pressure
Can Gum Disease Lead To High Blood Pressure?
flying with high blood pressure
Flying With High Blood Pressure: Risks, Tips, And More

You May Also Like

hypertension and aging
Hypertension and Ageing: Is High Blood Pressure in Older Age Inevitable?
blood pressure chart
A Complete Blood Pressure Chart: Normal, Elevated, High
gum disease and high blood pressure
Can Gum Disease Lead To High Blood Pressure?
flying with high blood pressure
Flying With High Blood Pressure: Risks, Tips, And More

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Footer

Categories

  • Blood Pressure
  • Guides
  • Readings
  • Monitors
  • Supplements
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • News

Site Navigation

  • EMT
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Useful Links

  • Advertize With Us
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Sitemap
  • Affiliate Disclosure

emtspot logo

Heart care is a top priority in today’s medical world, and TheEMTSpot will be your one-stop solution for all queries you have. Dive in now!

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · TheEMTSpot.com

Fact checked by Robin Backlund, BHSc

robin backlundRobin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.

Note:

All TheEMTSpot’s content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure that it is as accurate as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to other reputable media sites, educational institutions, and, whenever possible, peer-reviewed studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us.

Next Up
Diuretic Drugs For Blood Pressure: Potential Risks and Side Effects

Not sure if diuretics are safe for managing blood pressure? Learn all about diuretics, their potential side effects, and more…

Previous
Can Aerobic and Resistance Training Help In Lowering Blood Pressure?

Are you finding natural ways to lower blood pressure? Give a try to aerobic and resistance training. Learn about the…

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!

Deepen Your Knowledge of Blood Pressure

We share digestible, expert-backed resources and tips to support you on your wellness journey.

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!