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Chicago, IL – A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions reveals a troubling statistic: approximately 14% of children and teens in the United States either have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it. The preliminary research highlights the urgent need for increased prevention and monitoring efforts starting from a young age.
Dr. Ahlia Sekkarie, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), led the study and emphasized the significance of early intervention. “Hypertension can begin in childhood and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” Dr. Sekkarie stated. “Monitoring blood pressure in youth is crucial because those with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to face heart disease as adults.”
The study draws from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2020), analyzing blood pressure and body mass index data from 2,600 youth aged 8 to 19. Findings indicate that 8.7% of the participants had elevated blood pressure, while 5.4% were diagnosed with high blood pressure. Notably, the prevalence of high blood pressure was higher among boys, increased with age, and was most common in youth with severe obesity. Hispanic youth showed the lowest rates of elevated blood pressure.
The updated 2017 guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics have revised blood pressure thresholds for diagnosing hypertension in children and teens. These new thresholds are essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. For children under 13, high blood pressure is identified when three or more readings are at or above the 95th percentile compared to peers of the same age, sex, and height. Teenagers are diagnosed similarly to adults, with high blood pressure defined as a systolic reading of 130 mmHg or above, or a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg or above.
Dr. Elaine Urbina, Director of Preventive Cardiology at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Heart Institute, who was not involved in the study but co-authored a recent AHA report on pediatric hypertension, expressed concern about the lack of awareness and preventive measures. “It surprises me how many families and primary care providers do not recognize that high blood pressure can start in childhood, especially in adolescence,” Dr. Urbina remarked. “Without addressing this issue, we risk having individuals face heart attacks and strokes at a much younger age.”
The study also highlights potential gaps in healthcare, including the adherence to guidelines recommending annual blood pressure screenings starting at age 3. As children transition from pediatric to adult care, they may miss crucial screenings, contributing to undetected and unmanaged hypertension.
The findings underscore the need for a concerted effort to promote healthy habits from an early age, such as maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, avoiding smoking, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Dr. Sekkarie and her team’s research, although preliminary, sets the stage for further investigation and highlights the importance of proactive measures to combat pediatric hypertension. The full results are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in the near future.
For more information on the study and presentation, visit AHA Abstract Archives and Hypertension Scientific Sessions.
