High blood pressure cases in kids, teens almost double in 20 years

Hypertension cases among kids and teenagers have nearly doubled within two decades globally.

According to a study by Chinese doctors published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, high blood pressure rates rose to 6.5% for boys and 5.8% for girls in 2020 compared to 3.4% and 3% in 2000, respectively.

The findings were drawn from 96 studies involving 443,914 children and adolescents aged 19 and younger across 21 countries, including in-office and at-home data.

As reported by The Guardian, the steady rise of hypertension could be linked to obesity as 19% of obese children have the condition as opposed to 3% of those of a considerably healthy weight.

The study also showed that 8.2% of children and teenagers have prehypertension, a condition where blood pressure levels are higher than normal but do not fall under the criteria for hypertension.

Dr. Peige Song of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the study's author, connected the sharp rise in cases to many factors, primarily childhood obesity, along with dietary choices, poor sleep quality, stress, genetic predisposition, and sedentary lifestyle.

She emphasized that parents have a crucial role in preventing the condition among young people.

“Promoting healthy habits, such as a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing salt and sugar intake, can substantially reduce the risk of hypertension," she said. "Encouraging regular physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviours, such as excessive screen time, are equally crucial.”

She likewise recommended better screening, earlier detection through blood pressure monitoring, and a stronger focus on prevention, particularly nutrition, to minimize long-term complications.