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Blood Pressure Health Center  Font Size  Hypertension Serious in
Young Men   Risk Factors  Young men with hypertension often have
what's called "metabolic syndrome," which is known to contribute
to heart disease and diabetes. It includes a cluster of risk
factors found in an individual and include excess body fat
(especially around the waist and chest), high cholesterol, and
insulin resistance. Studies have also shown that early vertex
baldness can be associated with HBP. In addition, obstructive
sleep apnea and snoring are linked to HBP in men in general.
Family history plays a role, but whether its importance varies
with age of onset is unknown. "From epidemiological and twin
studies, estimates range from 10% to 40%," says Ulrich Broeckel,
MD, who is researching the role of genetics in hypertension. The
goal of research is to subcategorize hypertension in order to
improve diagnosis and treatment. "We're not ready for a
diagnostic test, but ultima