More Kids Have High Blood Pressure

A new systematic review and meta-analysis shows childhood hypertension is more common than previously recognized, with prevalence estimates rising globally. In-office blood pressure measurements indicate 4.28% of children and adolescents have hypertension, while combining in-office and out-of-office readings raises the estimate to 6.67%, highlighting that traditional screening may miss many cases. Rates are highest among children with obesity, and masked hypertension is the most frequent undetected form.

Researchers emphasize the need for harmonized diagnostic criteria, expanded out-of-office monitoring, and education for healthcare providers, families, and policymakers to integrate pediatric blood pressure management into broader non-communicable disease prevention strategies. Read more from Medpage Today here.