New data present a disturbing picture: within twenty years, the percentage of children and adolescents with hypertension rose from about 3.2% to over 6.2%, which is also linked to its rise obesity.
According to his study Lancet Child & Adolescent Healthmore than 114 million young people today live with dangerously high blood pressure, a development largely linked to the rise of obesity. Among overweight adolescents, almost one in five has hypertension, compared to only 2.4% of those of normal weight.
Researchers also warn of another “silent” threat: hidden hypertension, which affects almost 9% of children and adolescents. This form is not detected during classic medical examinations and is detected only with measurements outside the clinic, such as at home. This means that a significant proportion of young people with hypertension may remain undiagnosed.
In addition, approximately 8% of children and adolescents have prehypertension, i.e. levels higher than normal but not yet within the hypertension limits. Experts consider this a warning sign, as it can develop into hypertension and lead to future cardiovascular or kidney problems.
The study’s authors call for international harmonization of detection methods and enhanced monitoring of children at risk, stressing that concerted action is needed to stem this global wave of childhood hypertension. Their analysis is based on data from 96 studies involving 443,000 children in 21 countries, acknowledging limitations due to differences in measurement methods and regional healthcare practices.