Is Your Child at Risk? The Hidden Dangers of High Blood Pressure
Researchers have identified a significant link between high blood pressure and heart disease in children.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association and published in the journal JAMA found that children aged just seven whose blood pressure ranked in the top 10 percent for their age, sex, and height had a 40–50% higher risk of developing heart disease.
Experts noted that even moderately elevated blood pressure within the normal range—an increase of 13% in systolic and 18% in diastolic readings—can raise the risk of heart disease.
The study further revealed that children with high blood pressure had a 2.1-fold higher risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), including heart attack, stroke, hospitalization, or other cardiac conditions, although there was no significant difference in mortality due to heart disease.
Another study found that the risk of MACE in children nearly doubled, and the likelihood of developing additional heart problems, vascular complications, and heart failure also increased.
The American Heart Association has acknowledged that high blood pressure in children is linked to early effects on the heart, such as thickening of the heart walls and arterial stiffness.
A meta-analysis also confirmed that elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents is associated with intermediate and severe cardiovascular outcomes in adulthood.
