Childhood High Blood Pressure on the Rise, Raising Adult Health Concerns
GENEVA - A concerning trend of increasing high blood pressure among children is prompting calls for greater preventative measures and early intervention, Swiss pediatricians report. the rise, observed across routine check-ups, signals potential long-term health risks for a growing number of young people.
Currently, Swiss pediatricians are required to monitor blood pressure in children beginning at age three, notably those with identified risk factors. Initial management focuses on lifestyle adjustments – balanced nutrition and regular physical activity – with medication considered when necesary. However, experts emphasize that untreated childhood hypertension can have severe consequences, impacting kidney function, heart health, and vision well into adulthood. Specialist Chehade stresses the critical importance of both prevention and treatment to mitigate these future complications.
Without intervention, high blood pressure in children can lead to serious complications later in adulthood that can affect the kidneys, heart, and vision.
