Age of Hypertension Onset: Overview of Research and How to Apply in Practice

Abstract

<div><p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To review the current evidence on research related to age of hypertension onset-its definition, correlates, heritability, and association with adverse outcomes. We also propose a framework for implementing assessment of hypertension onset age into clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Prior studies have used both objective measurements and self-report to determine age of hypertension onset or early-onset hypertension. Yet, no criterion for standard definition currently exists for either. Data from epidemiological and clinical studies demonstrate that early-onset hypertension is a highly heritable trait that confers an increased risk for cardiovascular death and end-organ damage compared with late-onset hypertension. Literature to date suggests that (parental) age of hypertension onset can be feasibly assessed for estimating (1) risk of future hypertension in non-hypertensive persons; and (2) the propensity for cardiovascular disease in individuals with established hypertension.</p></div><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Age of hypertension onset; Blood pressure; Clinical implications; Hypertension; Hypertension and cardiovascular disease; Hypertension heritability.</p>