Childhood High Blood Pressure Linked to Increased Death Risk

High blood pressure in childhood may significantly increase the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease, according to recent research presented at an American Heart Association meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The study indicates that children with blood pressure measurements in the top 10 percent for their age, sex, and height are particularly vulnerable. Specifically, researchers found that seven-year-olds with elevated blood pressure are more likely to face fatal outcomes from related conditions by their mid-50s.

Dr. Alexa Freedman, an assistant professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the findings, stating, “We were surprised to find that high blood pressure in childhood was linked to serious health conditions many years later. Specifically, having hypertension or elevated blood pressure as a child may increase the risk of death by 40 percent to 50 percent over the next five decades of an individual’s life.” This highlights the importance of early screening for blood pressure and implementing strategies to promote cardiovascular health from a young age.

The study analyzed the health data of 38,000 children primarily of Black and white backgrounds, utilizing information from the largest U.S. study tracking the impacts of pregnancy and other factors on child health since 1959. Blood pressure readings were taken when the children were seven years old. By 2016, over 2,800 participants had died, with more than 500 of those deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. Notably, even moderately elevated blood pressure readings in childhood were linked to a greater risk of premature cardiovascular death.

These findings build upon previous research that already established a connection between childhood blood pressure levels and increased risks of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. For instance, a study conducted in 2022 indicated that elevated blood pressure in older children and preteens was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular death by middle age.

Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for over 941,000 deaths in 2022. The condition affects the heart and blood vessels, often resulting in heart failure, complications with blood vessels, and irregular heart rates. High blood pressure can exacerbate these risks by damaging and narrowing arteries, thereby increasing the chances of blood clots and artery-blocking plaque formation. In 2023, high blood pressure was linked to more than 664,000 deaths in the United States.

To mitigate the risks associated with high blood pressure, researchers advocate for the development of heart-healthy habits. A balanced diet low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, alongside the avoidance of ultraprocessed foods, is essential. Maintaining an active lifestyle and a healthy weight is equally crucial, as obesity and being overweight significantly elevate heart disease risks. Children should aim for at least one hour of physical activity daily, which can include walking, biking, or engaging in sports.

Medical guidelines from leading pediatric organizations recommend that children have their blood pressure measured annually starting at the age of three. Dr. Freedman stresses the need for early tracking of high blood pressure, asserting, “Even in childhood, blood pressure numbers are important because high blood pressure in children can have serious consequences throughout their lives.”

These insights underscore the critical need for proactive health measures to ensure that children maintain optimal cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of serious conditions later in life.