Can You Stand The Pressure?

For all not living under a rock, it’s pretty clear that obesity rates are on the rise. And a new study found that it’s increasing the risk for heart disease in teens.

Shocked? Turns out old people aren't the only ones susceptible to heart problems. About 22% of U.S. teens have borderline-high or already high LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). We’ve pulled the top five results from the study, which reviews data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2008.

• 1 in 5 teens is obese.
• 1 in 7 teens has high LDL cholesterol.
• 1 in 4 adolescents has 2 or more risk factors for heart disease.
• 1 in 5 adolescents has borderline to high blood pressure.
• 1 in 4 adolescents has pre-diabetes or diabetes. (An increase from a decade ago when it was 1 in 10 teens.)

What can you do?

No need to add “high stress levels” to the list. We’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide to getting your (and your friends’) blood pressure tested.

1. Google. Find the closest pharmacy/supermarket in your town that offers free blood pressuring testing.
2. Call me, maybe? Well in this case definitely call all friends and get them to go get tested too.
3. Report back. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results and get a more thorough diagnosis.