Prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, among children and teenagers has almost doubled over the past two decades, rising from 3.2% in 2000 to more than 6% in 2020, according to a global analysis published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal. If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to serious problems such as cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.Estimates also suggest that nearly one in five children and adolescents living with obesity have hypertension—roughly eight times higher than among those at a healthy weight (2.4%), researchers, including those from the University of Edinburgh in the UK, said. But what is driving this worrying trend?High Blood Pressure Cases in Children and Teens Doubled Over 20 YearsThe global rate of high blood pressure among children and teenagers has nearly doubled due to a dangerous mix of poor diets, low physical activity, and rising obesity levels, according to the largest review of its kind.Health experts warned that 114 million children who have developed hypertension before reaching adulthood face potentially lifelong health risks, including cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and other serious complications.The prevalence of high blood pressure in those under 19 increased to 6.2%, up from 3.2% in just 20 years. The findings are based on a meta-analysis of 96 studies covering more than 400,000 children across 21 countries and were published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.Obesity and Lifestyle Habits Driving the Surge in Childhood HypertensionThe review highlighted obesity as a major driver of the sharp rise in childhood hypertension, with nearly 19% of children with obesity affected compared with less than 3% of those at a healthy weight.“The near doubling of childhood high blood pressure over two decades should be a wake-up call for doctors and caregivers alike,” said study author Prof Igor Rudan, director of the Centre for Global Health Research at Edinburgh University’s Usher Institute, as per CNN.The study also found that an additional 8.2% of children and teenagers have prehypertension, meaning their blood pressure is higher than normal but does not yet meet the criteria for hypertension.Doctors noted that blood pressure tends to rise sharply in early adolescence, peaking around age 14, especially in boys. This underscores the importance of regular screening during these critical years.Early Detection and Healthy Habits To Protect Children From HypertensionEncouraging healthy habits, such as a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting salt and sugar intake, can greatly reduce the risk of hypertension. Regular physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviours, including too much screen time, are also key.For families with a history of high blood pressure, regular monitoring at home is strongly recommended. Early detection of elevated blood pressure can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.The good news is that obesity-related high blood pressure can be reversed. However, Prof Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer of the British Heart Foundation stressed that governments must also take action to prevent childhood obesity in the first place. “This includes expanding restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods and exploring ways to encourage the food industry to make everyday products healthier.”
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