Hypertension a Missed Diagnosis in Young Adults

Dr. Heather Johnson opened eyes at the American Heart Association meeting this fall by finding that 65% of patients in the age groups of 18-31 y.o. who had hypertension documented in patient records over a 4 year period remained undiagnosed and untreated. Many others in all age groups are classified as untreated prehypertension (BP between 130/80 and 140/90). Hypertension leads to heart disease and strokes. Weight loss, low salt diet, and exercise are initial treatments. But nutritional supplements and/or medications are often needed as well. See Family Practice News, December, 2012, p. 1,8. www.healthcelebration.com