(London) A major study to date reveals that the global prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents has nearly doubled in 20 years due to unhealthy diets, widespread lack of physical activity, and soaring obesity rates.
Researchers analyzed data from 96 studies across 21 countries, and the findings were published in the journal *The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health*. These studies involved over 400,000 children.
Experts point out that 114 million children worldwide develop hypertension before adulthood, facing potentially fatal and lifelong health risks, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and various serious complications.
Among them, the prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents under 19 years old has risen from 3.2% 20 years ago to 6.2%. Obesity is a major contributing factor, with nearly 19% of obese children having hypertension, compared to less than 3% in those with healthy weight.
Igor Rudan, director of the Centre for Global Health at the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh and author of the report, urged healthcare professionals to pay attention to this phenomenon.
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According to a report in The Guardian, the study also found that 8.2% of children and adolescents are prehypertensive. This is particularly prevalent during adolescence, with an incidence rate as high as 11.8% in teenagers and approximately 7% in toddlers.
Doctors say that blood pressure rises sharply in early adolescence, peaking around age 14, highlighting the importance of regular screening during these critical periods.
Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of the British Heart Foundation, who was not involved in the study, said: "Hypertension in childhood often persists into adulthood, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life."
However, hypertension caused by weight gain is reversible. Williams therefore recommended that the government take proactive measures to restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods and encourage manufacturers to produce healthier options.
