Hypertension, or consistently high blood pressure, is becoming increasingly common among young adults. According to recent estimates, about 1 in 5 adults between the ages of 18 and 39 has elevated blood pressure or hypertension, yet many do not know they have it. "I've seen it more commonly in younger people – individuals in their thirties who are taking medication” for high blood pressure. To determine if this is the case, blood pressure should be measured routinely using a monitor or cuff. Genetics and Family History"If your parents have high blood pressure, you're more likely to develop it yourself," Mikati says.