Researchers claim that high blood pressure in childhood is a strong predictor of adult heart disease and thus the increasing rates of high blood pressure in children are a cause for real concern. A study of 5,582 children aged 8 to 18 showed an overall increase in blood pressure of about 1 or 2%. The main cause of the increased blood pressure in children is excess weight and lack of exercise. The CDC reports that 15% of US children aged 6-19 are overweight. Blood pressure problems can be difficult to diagnose in children as it can be affected by age, gender and height. Childhood obesity is linked to hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Experts recommend a regular checkup for overweight children as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by USA Today
About: Childhood blood pressure linked to adult heart disease
Date: 10 January 2005
Source: USA Today
Author: Janice Billingsley
URL:
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