A recent study found that the global number of children and teenagers with high blood pressure nearly doubled in the past 20 years, reaching 6.2% by 2020. The increase is attributed to poor diets, inactivity, and rising obesity rates among youth. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease, with potential long-term health consequences such as disability and increased risk of death. Early screening and promotion of healthy lifestyle habits are recommended to prevent these serious health effects.

The study also revealed that 8.2% of children and teenagers have prehypertension, indicating elevated blood pressure levels that do not yet meet the criteria for hypertension. Following a plant-based diet, low in salt and saturated fat, has been linked to lower blood pressure levels compared to a meat-based diet. Experts advise adopting a wholefood, minimally processed plant-based diet to help manage and prevent high blood pressure in children and teenagers.