Dhaka, Sept 01 (V7N)- High blood pressure is increasingly affecting young people in Bangladesh, with irregular lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, smoking, inadequate sleep and prolonged sitting contributing to the growing risk.

Research data cited by health experts show that 43 percent of young people in the country have blood pressure above the normal range, raising concerns about the growing prevalence of the condition among people below 40.

Rifat, 25, works as a muezzin at a mosque. Irregular working hours and disrupted sleep have contributed to his struggle with high blood pressure at a relatively young age.

A similar situation has affected Sonamiya, a 30-year-old private-sector employee. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure four years ago but has struggled to control it because of a busy work schedule and ongoing pressures.

Doctors and health experts say the competitive nature of modern life has significantly changed the lifestyle of young people. Irregular meals, excessive consumption of salt and oil, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting are among the major risk factors.

Excessive use of social media and staying awake late at night are also contributing to unhealthy routines, experts say.

Lack of awareness a major concern

Health professionals are particularly concerned about the lack of awareness among young people. Many do not consider regular headaches, fatigue, palpitations or shortness of breath serious enough to seek medical advice.

As a result, high blood pressure often remains undetected or uncontrolled despite being identifiable through routine blood pressure checks.

According to the National Demographic and Health Survey, around one-fourth of Bangladesh's population is affected by high blood pressure. Research has also found that 43 percent of young people have blood pressure above the normal range, while only a small proportion are able to keep it under control.

Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation, said that among every 100 young people with high blood pressure, only 16 are able to control it. The remaining 84 have uncontrolled blood pressure.

Risk of serious complications

Doctors warn that prolonged uncontrolled high blood pressure can significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, vision problems and complications involving blood vessels.

Associate Professor of Holy Family Medical College Dr. Sayem Mohammad said people with high blood pressure face a significantly higher risk of stroke, while kidney damage is another major concern.

Experts describe high blood pressure as a “silent killer” because it often produces no obvious symptoms even when it is causing damage to the body.

Doctors therefore recommend that people begin checking their blood pressure regularly from the age of 20, particularly if they have risk factors.

They also advise maintaining a balanced diet, limiting excess salt and oil, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep.

Experts believe that greater awareness and regular health check-ups from a young age can help detect high blood pressure early and reduce the risk of serious long-term complications.

END/SMA/AJ