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A recent study has shed light on the alarming prevalence of hypertension among young athletes, highlighting a crucial need for routine blood pressure screenings during sports physicals.
Presented at the American College of Cardiology's Care of the Athletic Heart conference, the research found that a significant number of young athletes are at risk for hypertension, which could lead to severe cardiovascular issues later in life.
Dr. Aneeq Malik of Olive View-UCLA Medical Center and medical director of the Saving Hearts Foundation emphasized the findings:
"Despite being perceived as a generally healthy population, young athletes are not immune to heart disease, including elevated blood pressure."
The study analyzed 1,429 young athletes ranging from 10 to 31 years old, revealing that 21.3% were at risk for pre-hypertension, while 13.2% and 8% were found to have Stage I and Stage II hypertension, respectively. Notably, male athletes and those participating in multiple sports displayed higher rates of hypertension.
The study points to various factors influencing these rates, including the nature of the sport, training routines, dietary habits, and even social determinants of health.
Sports involving higher levels of static exercise, like football and basketball, were particularly associated with elevated blood pressure measurements.
The research advocates for confirmatory testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and stresses the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Malik further noted,
"Once hypertension is confirmed, educating young athletes and their families about the diagnosis becomes paramount."
He suggests dietary adjustments, physical activity, and stress management as part of a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension in young athletes. This study underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive health measures to safeguard the cardiovascular health of young athletes.
Read more about the study here!
