It is usually seen as an old people's problem, but more and more youngsters are suffering from high blood pressure.
As many as 3.8 percent of teenagers aged 15 to 20 are threatened (威胁) by hypertension, according to a survey of 10,000 young people in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province. The figure is much higher than in past years and doctors are worried that it could lead to increased health problems.
Research shows that teens with higher-than-normal blood pressure are more likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes (中风) later in life.
"It's now known that adolescence (青春期) is the most important period for hypertension and heart disease," said Vernon Barnes, a physiologist (生理学家) at the Medical College of Georgia, US. "It's no longer considered to be an adult disease-hypertension has risen rapidly among young people."
Unhealthy habits and pressure are the most likely cause of high blood pressure, according to Yu Lingfan, chief physician at the second clinical hospital attached to Harbin Medical University.
"Instead of various kinds of tonics (滋补品), children should have more vegetables and fruit, so that there are enough vitamins in their bodies," Yu said.
Meanwhile, foods containing a lot of fat, salt or sugar should be avoided.
Yu believes that students should learn to deal with study pressures if they are to stay healthy. Taking more physical exercise rather than watching TV or playing video games can make the body strong and reduce the chances of high blood pressure.
8. According to the survey, about ________ youngsters are threatened by hypertension.
A. 10,000 B. 380 C. 3,800 D. 38
9. If one suffers from high blood pressure, he is likely to ________.
a. get heart attacks
b. stroke and die later in life
c. stroke when older
d. be threatened by hypertension
A. a, c B. a, b C. b, d D. a, c, d
10. From the passage we can learn high blood pressure will ________.
A. only happen to youngsters
B. no longer happen to adults
C. happen to both grown-ups and youngsters
D. happen to more youngsters than adults