The associated press reported today that new data shows a big jump in the number of young adults taking medicines to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The use of cholesterol and blood pressure medications by young adults appears to be rising rapidly, at a faster pace than among senior citizens, according to an industry report being released today.

If that's not scary I don't know what is? Cholesterol medications are prescribed to help prevent plaque buildup on artery walls so blood flows freely (less resistance = low blood pressure) through the artery walls. High blood pressure is a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Both numbers are important. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. Some people may not find out they have it until they have trouble with their heart, brain, or kidneys.

Young adults are being medicated way too early to prevent heart disease. Here’s another way to view the problem which hopefully hits home sometime soon. Today’s young adults have such poor health habits they need medications to improve their mortality rate (aka life expectancy). It just seems like there is always barrage of negative health news for young adults, I can’t wait to see a favorable news report on good health and the young.