What is the global trend in childhood hypertension?

According to the study, the prevalence of high blood pressure in children and adolescents nearly doubled from 2000 to 2020, affecting an estimated 114 million young people worldwide.

What are the key drivers of the childhood hypertension epidemic?

Obesity is a substantial driver, with nearly 19% of children and adolescents with obesity having high blood pressure. Other triggers include poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and irregular sleep patterns.

How is India affected by the childhood hypertension crisis?

As a lower-middle-income country, India shares many characteristics captured in the broader global analysis, including high dietary sodium intake, rising obesity rates, and low physical activity levels. Experts call for improved data collection and screening efforts to address this growing health issue in India.

Home / Health / Childhood Hypertension Doubles Globally in 20 Years

Childhood Hypertension Doubles Globally in 20 Years

13 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Hypertension in children and teens nearly doubled from 2000 to 2020
Obesity is a major driver, with 19% of obese youth having high blood pressure
Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and stress are key triggers

Childhood Hypertension Doubles Globally in 20 Years

According to a recent global study, the prevalence of high blood pressure in children and adolescents has nearly doubled from 2000 to 2020, affecting an estimated 114 million young people worldwide. The research, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, highlights the alarming rise of this health issue among the youth.

The study found that obesity is a substantial driver of the increase in childhood hypertension, with nearly 19% of children and adolescents with obesity having high blood pressure - eight times higher than those of healthy weight. Other key triggers include poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and irregular sleep patterns.

Doctors are sounding the alarm, warning of dangerous blood pressure spikes in teens. A 17-year-old boy in India recently experienced a hypertensive crisis, with his blood pressure reaching a life-threatening 200/120 mmHg. After extensive medical tests, doctors attributed his condition to obesity, addiction to fast food, and a sedentary lifestyle.