Takeaway
- Early-onset hypertension before age 35 years is strongly linked to higher risk for left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, and coronary calcification by midlife.
- A quarter of people with early-onset hypertension have target end-organ damage in 2+ organs.
Why this matters
- The authors say their results underscore the importance of discerning age of hypertension onset so that measures can be taken to prevent complications.
Key results
- At a mean age of 50±4 years, individuals with hypertension onset at age
- LV hypertrophy: 2.29 (1.36-3.86);
- Coronary calcification: 2.94 (1.57-5.49);
- Albuminuria: 1.12 (0.55-2.29); and
- LV diastolic dysfunction: 2.06 (1.04-4.05).
- Target end-organ damage rates:
- Normotensive: 23.7% (4.6% in 2+ organs).
- Onset at age
- Associations were not seen for people with onset ≥45 years.
Study design
- 2680 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development In Young Adults (CARDIA) study (baseline age range, 18-30 years).
- Hypertension at time of measurements defined as ≥140/90 mmHg or use of antihypertensives.
- Adjustments made for cardiovascular risk factors.
- Funding: None disclosed.
Limitations
- 68.4% of those with baseline measures remained available for final assessment.
- Intensity of antihypertensive therapy not captured.
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