S-43-7: hypertension in adolescents and young people: opportunities for intervention in south africa

Hypertension in adolescents and young people is a rising concern across the world. In South Africa the cardiovascular epidemic is simultaneous to the HIV and TB epidemics. Sub-Saharan Africa has a large proportion of young people compared to many developed regions but poor access to healthcare. This presentation will discuss the epidemiology of hypertension in young people, the causes of hypertension and the approach to diagnosis and causes. There will be discussion about how this age group is the optimal age in which to introduce screening and lifestyle changes and how to address this age group.