Risk factor profiles in young adults with prehypertension and hypertension attending IIUM primary healthcare service

Yee, Yan and Mohamed Bakrim, Norbaiyah and Abdullah, Aszrin and Abdullah, Nor Zamzila and A.Talib, Norlelawati and Saidin, Nur Amira (2025) Risk factor profiles in young adults with prehypertension and hypertension attending IIUM primary healthcare service. In: 1st International Biomedical Conference 2025, 3 - 4 September 2025, AC Marriot Hotel, Kuantan.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite traditionally being considered a disease of older adults, recent data highlight the rising prevalence and significant premature cardiovascular complications of prehypertensive and hypertensive young adults. Younger individuals may present with different risk factor profiles compared to classic risk factors such as diabetes and smoking. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factor profiles associated with prehypertension and hypertension in young adults attending primary healthcare service at IIUM. MATERIALS & METHODS: This was a comparative cross-sectional study recruiting a total of 72 participants aged 18 to 45 years, comprising 24 normotensive, 25 prehypertensive, and 23 newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals. Normotension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 80 mmHg; prehypertension as SBP 120–139 mmHg and/or DBP 80–89 mmHg; and hypertension as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg. Cardiovascular risk histories, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The median age was 38 years for the normotensive and prehypertensive groups, and 40 years for the hypertensive group. Apart from family history, hypertensive participants had significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, pulse rate, and uric acid levels than normotensive participants (p< 0.042). The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were significantly lower in hypertensive and prehypertensive participants compared to normotensive participants (p<0.004). Consequently, total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the hypertensive than the normotensive participants (p=0.029). Other factors, including smoking, vaping, salt intake, fasting glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, did not differ significantly across the groups. CONCLUSION: Elevation of BP in young adults is mainly driven by the modifiable risk factors, particularly obesity and low HDL levels. These findings underscore the importance of effective lifestyle interventions, including weight reduction and healthier dietary patterns, beginning in the prehypertensive stage, to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risk among young adults.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Poster)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Young Adults, Prehypertension, Hypertension, Risk Factors
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Basic Medical
Depositing User:	Dr Norbaiyah Mohamed Bakrim
Date Deposited:	26 Sep 2025 14:55
Last Modified:	26 Sep 2025 14:55
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123146

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