What is considered high blood pressure?

A healthy blood pressure reading is generally considered 120/80. Readings consistently above this can indicate hypertension.

Why is high blood pressure called a silent killer?

High blood pressure is often called a silent killer because it typically has no obvious symptoms, leading many to remain unaware they have it.

What is the DASH diet for hypertension?

The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting sodium, red meat, and processed foods, to help manage blood pressure.

Home / Health / Silent Killer: Kids' High BP Doubles Worldwide

Silent Killer: Kids' High BP Doubles Worldwide

26 Nov

•

Summary

Children's high blood pressure cases have doubled since 2000.
Nearly half of Americans have hypertension, double past rates.
Many with high blood pressure, especially youth, are unaware.

Silent Killer: Kids' High BP Doubles Worldwide

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a serious health issue affecting millions globally. Recent research reveals a concerning trend: the incidence of high blood pressure among children under 19 has doubled worldwide since the year 2000. This escalating problem is also evident in adults, with nearly half of Americans now affected, a rate twice that of a generation ago. The condition is often undetected, as many, especially younger patients, are unaware they have it, making regular health check-ups crucial.

The dangers of hypertension extend to significant damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, eyes, and brain, increasing the risk of chronic kidney failure, vision loss, and cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Over time, persistently high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, or chronic conditions such as heart disease and COPD. The medical community redefined high blood pressure in 2017, lowering the threshold and thus increasing diagnosed rates significantly.

Managing hypertension involves lifestyle modifications such as adopting the DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while low in sodium and processed foods, alongside regular physical activity totaling about 150 minutes per week. While medications exist, new technologies like wearable devices are emerging for continuous monitoring, though their diagnostic capabilities are still developing. Ultimately, awareness and proactive management are key to mitigating the risks associated with this pervasive condition.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.