Childhood Hypertension Epidemic Alarms Experts Worldwide

According to a major new review, the prevalence of high blood pressure in children and teenagers under 19 has increased dramatically in the past two decades. In 2000, around 3.2% of children had hypertension, but by 2025, this figure has risen to over 6.2%, affecting 114 million young people worldwide.

Experts say this sharp rise is driven largely by unhealthy lifestyles, including poor diets, lack of physical activity, and soaring obesity rates. The review found that nearly 19% of children living with obesity are affected by hypertension, compared to less than 3% of those at a healthy weight.

Prehypertension, where blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet at hypertension levels, is also on the rise, especially during adolescence. Doctors warn that these children are more likely to progress to full-blown hypertension, putting them at serious risk of long-term health complications like cardiovascular and kidney disease.

Urgent action is needed to address this growing public health crisis, say experts. Promoting healthy habits, such as balanced diets and regular physical activity, as well as early detection through regular screening, could help reverse this alarming trend and protect the health of millions of young people worldwide.