Poor diet linked to doubling of high blood pressure in children

High blood pressure in children has nearly doubled because of unhealthy diets, mass inactivity and soaring levels of obesity, according to a global review.

- Andrew Gregory Health editor

Experts said 114 million children who had developed hypertension before reaching adulthood were facing potentially deadly and lifelong harm, including cardiovascular problems, kidney disease and many serious health complications.

The rate of high blood pressure in under-19s was 6.2% in 2020, compared with 3.2% in 2000. The findings, based on data from 96 studies involving more than 400,000 children in 21 countries, were published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal.

The review suggests obesity is a “substantial driver” of the rise in childhood hypertension, with nearly 19% of those living with obesity affected by hypertension, compared with less than 3% of those with a healthy weight.

“The nearly twofold increase in childhood high blood pressure over 20 years should raise alarm bells for healthcare providers and caregivers,” said Igor Rudan, study author and professor of international health at the University of Edinburgh.