A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health reveals a concerning global trend: cases of high blood pressure among children and teenagers have nearly doubled in the past 20 years. The meta-analysis of 96 studies across 21 countries, involving over 443,000 young people, shows hypertension prevalence in those under 19 rising from approximately 3.2% in 2000 to over 6% in 2020. This translates to an estimated 114 million children and adolescents worldwide living with hypertension.
The research indicates a significant increase in both boys and girls. Among boys, the prevalence rose from 3.40% to 6.53%, while in girls, it increased from 3.02% to 5.82%. The study also highlights a rise in pre-hypertension, affecting about 8% of children and teens, and masked hypertension, which may affect over 9% of young people and often goes undetected during routine clinic visits. Masked hypertension is high blood pressure that only shows up in out-of-office tests.
Experts identify rising childhood obesity as a primary driver. The study found that nearly 19% of children and teenagers with obesity have hypertension, which is eight times the rate of those with a healthy weight. Obesity can trigger changes in blood vessels, insulin resistance, inflammatory processes, and hormonal shifts, making it harder to maintain normal blood pressure.
Lifestyle factors also contribute significantly. The increasing consumption of processed foods, extended screen time, physical inactivity, and disrupted sleep cycles all influence weight, metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. Stress at a young age can also contribute to hypertension.
High blood pressure in childhood can act as an early warning sign for future health problems. If not managed, it can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other long-term complications in adulthood. Early detection and intervention are essential because hypertension detected early in life tends to persist.
The study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and accessible testing to identify at-risk children earlier. Researchers also note that relying solely on in-office blood pressure readings may underestimate the problem's full scope, suggesting home or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring could provide a more accurate assessment.
Experts recommend focusing on establishing healthy habits early in life. This includes encouraging nutritious eating, avoiding labeling foods as "good" or "bad," and promoting positive relationships with food through shared family meals. Increased physical activity and reduced screen time are also crucial.
Dr. Igor Rudan, a study author and the director of the Centre for Global Health Research at Edinburgh University's Usher Institute, stated that the near doubling of childhood high blood pressure should raise alarm bells for healthcare providers and caregivers. He also noted that steps can be taken to improve screening and prevention efforts to help control high blood pressure in children and reduce the risk of future health complications.
