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Hypertension or high blood pressure has recently become increasingly prevalent among children for premature death at Global Level: Experts
Gurugram: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is becoming more common among children and young adults, reflecting a worrying health trend. Several factors contribute to high blood pressure in young people, including overweight and obesity, heart defects, kidney issues, and unhealthy diets.
The increasing rates of overweight and obesity are especially concerning. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2022, approximately 390 million children and adolescents were overweight, with 160 million classified as obese. This substantial number of overweight and obese young people underscores the role of obesity as a major contributor to the rise in high blood pressure among children. These figures highlight the urgent need for strategies focused on weight management, healthy eating, and physical activity to address the growing prevalence of hypertension in this age group.
"Childhood obesity becomes the root cause of many other diseases, including cardiovascular problems, and thus leads to hypertension at a tender age. With changes in lifestyle and diet, the risks of hypertension in children can be mitigated. However, certain causes of pediatric hypertension are more complex, including genetic and hormonal disorders. Unfortunately, even if undetected or untreated in childhood, hypertension can raise the long-term risk of serious heart conditions like stroke and heart attack by four times. Pediatric hypertension is a burning health concern and requires the instant attention of parents for the well-being of their children." says Dr Praveen Gupta, Chief of Neurology & Principal Director, of FMRI Gurugram.
Hypertension in children is a major global concern, contributing to premature deaths. Increased inactivity, more screen time, and the widespread consumption of junk food have significantly fueled this issue. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, as lockdowns kept children indoors, away from playgrounds and parks, leading to alarming impacts on their physical and mental well-being.
According to Dr H K Chopra, Sr. Consultant Clinical, Preventive Cardiology and Echocardiography Dept. of Cardiology & Medicine Moolchand Medcity, “Healthy modifications in lifestyle can decrease the risk of hypertension in children and adults. Right from an early age, children should be encouraged for regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Consumption of a DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), regular health check-ups and quality sleep are some of the essentials that can mitigate the risk of hypertension. Screen time, obstructive sleeping schedules, lack of consistent exercises, and regularity in consumption of high sodium diet and junk food are the main causes of hypertension in children.”
Dr Praveen Gupta throws light on hypertension in children and discusses the dreadful impacts, he states, “"As a neurologist, I am deeply concerned by the rising trend of childhood obesity and its potential long-term consequences, including stroke. Strokes, once thought of as a condition affecting only adults, are becoming increasingly prevalent in children due to factors like high blood pressure often associated with obesity. Early intervention is crucial. By promoting healthy lifestyles and weight management in children, we can significantly reduce their risk of stroke and other serious neurological complications later in life."
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