Rising Hypertension Among Youth Raises Health Alarm

Health experts have warned of a sharp rise in hypertension cases in Bangladesh, particularly among young people, ahead of World Hypertension Day. They say unhealthy diets, rising stress levels, lack of exercise, poor sleep, and excessive screen time are driving the trend.

Cardiologist Dr Md Hasan Farooq Bhuiyan said more young adults are now being diagnosed with high blood pressure due to sedentary lifestyles and changing daily habits. He noted that more than 90 percent of cases are idiopathic, while the rest are linked to conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy-related complications.

He said the growing popularity of fast food and online food delivery has worsened the situation. Repeatedly reused cooking oil in many restaurants and roadside eateries produces harmful fats that damage blood vessels and increase cholesterol levels.

“When oil is reheated multiple times, it forms unhealthy compounds that stiffen blood vessels and raise cardiovascular risks,” he said.

Dr Bhuiyan also pointed to changing work patterns, especially remote work, which have disrupted sleep cycles. Late-night screen use and irregular rest are affecting hormonal balance and gradually increasing blood pressure.

He added that physical activity among young people has declined sharply, replaced by mobile phones, online gaming, and social media use. This shift toward sedentary behaviour is increasing the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

Stress and anxiety are also major factors. He explained that stress triggers cortisol release, which directly raises blood pressure. This affects both working professionals under job pressure and homemakers managing family responsibilities.

Calling hypertension a “silent killer,” he warned that many people remain unaware of the condition until serious complications develop. It can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes over time.

He said prolonged high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which may lead to heart muscle thickening, irregular heartbeat, and eventually heart failure. Sudden spikes in blood pressure can also trigger strokes by rupturing blood vessels in the brain.

Hypertension is also a major cause of kidney damage and vision problems if left untreated.

Despite these risks, experts stressed that hypertension is largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection. They recommended regular health check-ups, especially for people above 30.

“Blood pressure and blood sugar should be checked at least every six months, even if there are no symptoms,” Dr Bhuiyan said.

He advised reducing salt intake and avoiding processed foods such as chips, biscuits, and packaged snacks due to high sodium levels. Simple dietary changes, he said, can significantly reduce blood pressure.

Experts also recommended at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring adequate sleep.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20 percent of adults in Bangladesh have hypertension. Heart-related diseases linked to high blood pressure remain a leading cause of death in the country.

Health surveys show a steady rise in prevalence over the past decade, with younger age groups increasingly affected. Experts estimate that one in five young adults may now be living with high blood pressure.

Public health specialists said rising consumption of processed foods, declining fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, pollution, and long hours of sitting are key risk factors.

They warned that hypertension is no longer an age-related condition and urged people not to wait for symptoms before seeking medical advice.

Regular monitoring, healthier diets, stress management, exercise, and proper sleep were highlighted as the most effective ways to prevent long-term complications and reduce the growing burden of disease.