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The American Heart Association reports that children with high blood pressure at age 7 face a much higher risk of dying from heart disease by age 50
Parents should ensure their children’s blood pressure is checked periodically. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is becoming an epidemic in India, affecting approximately 20 to 25% of adults. Alarmingly, children between the ages of 7 and 12 are also increasingly suffering from this condition.
A recent study has shown that if a child develops high blood pressure at the age of 7, they are at a higher risk of developing heart disease by the age of 50 and may even face premature death within a few years. This finding is particularly concerning as many in India neglect monitoring children’s blood pressure.
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The American Heart Association (AHA) has reported that children with high blood pressure at just 7 years old face a significantly higher risk of dying from heart disease by the age of 50.
This study is groundbreaking as it is the first to track both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in children over a long period. Previous research indicated that hypertension in children under 12 increases the risk of adult heart disease, but this new study suggests that the risk can start as early as age 7.
Regular blood pressure checks in children can serve as an early warning sign, indicating potential future heart problems.
The prevalence of high blood pressure among young children in India is increasing. A 2021 survey revealed that around 7% of children and teenagers in the country have high blood pressure, with the number being higher in urban areas.
Obese children are particularly at risk, with a prevalence rate of around 29%, compared to 7% in normal-weight children. The lifestyle in cities, including academic pressure, limited outdoor play, lack of playgrounds, and excessive screen time, contributes significantly to the rise in obesity and hypertension among children.
Despite the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics for annual blood pressure checks starting at age 3, many parents in India do not have their children’s blood pressure checked regularly. This oversight continues even as children reach the ages of 10 to 15.
Early detection of high blood pressure in children is critical for timely treatment and prevention of serious health issues in adulthood. Untreated hypertension can worsen and lead to severe health problems later in life.
This research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Speaking to Times of India, Dr. Mukesh Goyal, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospital in Indraprastha, New Delhi, highlighted that blood pressure is typically checked in children only if they are overweight or have a family history of heart problems. Although guidelines for child screening exist in India, routine screening is not widespread due to constraints such as high patient loads in clinics, lack of appropriately sized blood pressure cuffs for children, and insufficient training among doctors. Parents should ensure their children’s blood pressure is checked periodically.
Dr. Dinesh Yadav, a paediatric cardiologist at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, told Times of India that the easy availability and aggressive marketing of junk food, which is high in salt and trans fats, is exacerbating the problem. These unhealthy foods contribute to obesity and other serious conditions, including hypertension in children.
The silver lining is that if detected early and treated correctly, most of the severe consequences of high blood pressure can be prevented. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor children’s blood pressure and promote a healthy lifestyle.
September 23, 2025, 17:59 IST
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Author: News18
