Even children have high blood pressure if they are overweight

Hypertension risk in children increases with weight
Obesity is well known as a risk factor for high blood pressure in adults. But too high body weight can cause blood pressure to rise even in children. In a recent study, US researchers found that an elevated body mass index (BMI) also carries the risk of increased blood pressure in children.

The research team around Dr. Emily Parker of the University of Minnesota has investigated the association between obesity and elevated blood pressure and the risk of high blood pressure in children. The scientists found a strong, statistically significant association between the BMI of children and blood pressure. Parker and colleagues published their findings in the journal "Pediatrics".

Obesity and obesity in children can cause them to develop high blood pressure. (Image: kwanchaichaiudom / fotolia.com)

Data from more than 100,000 children and adolescents evaluated
In the study, the researchers evaluated the data of 101,606 subjects aged between three and 17 years. Size, weight, and blood pressure were all assigned to age and gender. Parker and colleagues analyzed the relationships between BMI, changes in blood pressure, and the risk of hypertension. They found that obese children (BMI over 30) developed twice as much hypertension as normal-weight children during the three-year observation period.

Risk of hypertension significantly increased in obese children
The US researchers come to the conclusion that, especially in obese children and adolescents, the probability of hypertension is significantly increased. The perceived negative effects of obesity during the short observation period underline the need for effective prevention strategies for overweight and obesity in childhood, Parker and colleagues point out. (Fp)