Children should have blood pressure monitored from age 7, experts say

"A new study has found a link between high blood pressure at the age of 7 and up to a 50 per cent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease over the next five decades. Currently, children in the UK are not routinely checked for blood pressure as part of a national screening programme. But the researchers said their findings demonstrate the importance of regularly checking children's blood pressure to help them develop heart-healthy habits early on."

"The team analysed data on 38,000 children who had their blood pressures taken at the age of seven as part of a long-running US study. Over a follow-up of an average of 54 years, they discovered children who had higher blood pressure at this age were more likely to die early from cardiovascular disease as adults by their mid-50s. The risk was highest for children whose blood pressure measurements were in the top 10 per cent for their age, sex and height."

Children with elevated blood pressure at age seven face a substantially higher risk of cardiovascular death by midlife. Analysis of 38,000 children with blood pressures measured at seven and an average 54-year follow-up found higher childhood blood pressure associated with increased adult cardiovascular mortality. Children whose blood pressure measurements were in the top 10 per cent for their age, sex and height had the greatest risk. Having hypertension or elevated blood pressure as a child may increase the risk of death by roughly 40–50% over five decades. Routine childhood blood pressure screening and early heart-healthy habits could reduce midlife cardiovascular deaths. Current UK policy does not include routine childhood blood pressure screening.

Read at Mail Online