A substantial portion of young athletes are at risk of hypertension, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Care of the Athletic Heart conference, held on June 6-8 in Washington. This finding is particularly alarming as high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and early death.
Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension affects 47% of adults in the U.S. and can lead to severe health issues over time, including heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. This article explores the prevalence of hypertension in young athletes, the implications of the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, and the importance of early detection and lifestyle modifications.
HYPERTENSION ; PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN YOUNG ATHLETES
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension among young athletes and evaluate the impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines on diagnosis rates using data from preventive heart screenings. According to lead author Aneeq Malik, MD, from Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, the study underscores the need to recognize and address elevated blood pressure in young athletes, a group often perceived as generally healthy.
HYPERTENSION ; KEY FINDINGS
Among the 1,429 participants screened, 1,196 had recorded blood pressure measurements. The cohort comprised 717 males (59.9%), 477 females (39.9%), and two gender non-binary participants (0.2%). Ages ranged from 10 to 31 years old, with a median age of 15.
The results revealed:
- 21.3% of participants met the definition of pre-hypertension (pre-HTN)
- 13.2% had Stage I hypertension (HTN)
- 8% were diagnosed with Stage II HTN
- Male participants showed a higher prevalence of Stage I HTN (17.3%) and Stage II HTN (10.9%) compared to females, who had prevalence rates of 7.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Young athletes participating in multiple sports displayed the highest rates of HTN at 28.3%, followed by basketball at 27.6% and football at 27.1%.
HYPERTENSION ; FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HYPERTENSION IN YOUNG ATHLETES
- Individualized Training Routines: Training regimens unique to each sport may contribute to elevated blood pressure.
- Dietary Habits: Dietary requirements for specific sports or positions can impact blood pressure.
- Body Size Variations: Differences in average body size among athletes in various sports may play a role.
- Social Determinants of Health: Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and education levels can influence hypertension rates.
- Sports involving higher levels of static exercise, such as football and basketball, have been consistently associated with elevated blood pressure measurements.
HYPERTENSION ; IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION AND INTERVENTION
The findings highlight the importance of routine blood pressure screening during sports physicals. Confirmatory testing in a controlled environment is crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis and avoid false positives.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
Once hypertension is confirmed, educating young athletes and their families about the condition is essential. Dr. Malik emphasizes the need for appropriate lifestyle interventions, which can significantly impact blood pressure. These interventions include:
- Dietary Adjustments: Encouraging a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing sodium intake.
- Increased Physical Activity: Promoting regular exercise tailored to the athlete’s needs and capabilities.
- Healthy Sleep Habits: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep.
- Stress Management: Teaching relaxation techniques and coping strategies to manage stress effectively.
Hypertension in young athletes is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. The study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Care of the Athletic Heart conference reveals a significant prevalence of elevated blood pressure among young athletes, emphasizing the need for routine screening and lifestyle modifications. By increasing awareness and education about hypertension, young athletes can receive the necessary care and support to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.