Incidence of high BP in children has doubled in the past 20 years, says a new study. How alarming is this? Dr Varun Bansal, senior consultant, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, robotic surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: “An increase of high BP cases over the past two decades among children, adolescents and even young adults is a serious cause for concern. High blood pressure has traditionally been seen as a problem of older adults, yet it can quietly harm the body when it appears early in life. Whether it occurs in a school-going child, a teenager or a young adult juggling college or work pressures, it puts additional strain on the heart, kidneys and blood vessels at a time when these organs are still developing and strengthening. If left undetected, this early rise in BP increases the risk of premature heart disease, stroke and kidney complications in adulthood. The trend also reflects a significant shift in lifestyle patterns and dietary changes across all younger age groups. While the numbers do not imply that every young person is at risk, they highlight the urgent need for parents, schools, colleges and healthcare professionals to pay closer attention to the overall health habits of children, adolescents and young adults.”
No one measures BP of a child unless there are severe symptoms. So does the condition going unchecked contribute to its severity?
Yes, high BP in younger age groups often becomes more severe simply because it usually goes unnoticed for years. Routine BP checks are not commonly included in regular healthcare visits for children, teenagers or young adults, unless symptoms appear. This silence allows the condition to progress quietly. When blood pressure remains high for a long period of time, it continuously stresses the heart and blood vessels. Eventually, this can thicken the heart muscle, stiffen the blood vessels and begin to affect kidney function. Because high BP rarely causes pain or clear discomfort, younger individuals often do not report anything unusual until the condition has already advanced. Early detection is critical, as it helps identify underlying causes such as obesity, poor sleep, kidney ailments, hormonal imbalances or stress. Regular monitoring-especially in those who are overweight, have a family history or show any subtle signs-can prevent the condition from escalating into long-term complications.
Why are children, adolescents and young adults experiencing high BP?
The rise in high BP across younger age groups is linked to a combination of lifestyle, environmental and medical factors. Many children, teens and young adults spend large portions of their day sitting-at school, during homework, in college lectures, on laptops or while using phones-resulting in reduced physical activity that impacts heart health and weight. Diet patterns have also shifted significantly, with increased intake of processed foods, salty snacks, sugary drinks and irregular meal timings becoming common across households and student communities. Childhood and adolescent obesity has risen sharply, and excess weight directly increases the workload on the heart, leading to higher BP. Poor sleep routines, especially due to late-night screen exposure or academic and work pressure, further disrupt normal BP regulation. Stress is now common even in younger age groups, whether related to academics, competitive exams, college transitions or early career demands. In some cases, underlying medical issues such as kidney disorders, congenital heart defects or hormonal imbalances also contribute. The convergence of these modern lifestyle factors has created a situation where the condition is appearing much earlier than before in some children.
Basic dos and don’ts to check this?
A few simple and regular habits can significantly reduce the risk of high BP in younger individuals. Encouraging daily physical activity-whether through sports, dancing or any enjoyable form of movement-helps maintain heart health. Balanced, home-cooked meals with limited salt and fewer processed foods support healthy growth and stable BP levels, while regular meal timings help maintain energy balance. Adequate sleep is essential, and keeping screens out of the bedroom at night can make a meaningful difference. A calm, supportive family or hostel environment also plays a role, as stress can influence BP even at young ages. Frequent consumption of fast foods and sugary drinks, combined with long hours of sitting and irregular sleep schedules, increases the risk. Routine BP checks during pediatric, adolescent and even young adult health visits should not be overlooked.
Signs and symptoms to look out for?
High BP often remains silent in children, adolescents and young adults, making it difficult to identify without routine checks. However, certain symptoms like persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue or sudden changes in vision are common warning signs that should prompt immediate attention. Some young individuals may experience shortness of breath during mild activity or complain of chest discomfort. Irritability, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep or unexplained tiredness may also be linked to underlying BP issues. In a few cases, repeated nosebleeds or swelling in the face, hands or legs can signal more serious concerns. Those who are overweight, or have kidney conditions or hypertension should be monitored even more closely, as even mild symptoms can indicate a need for evaluation. Early recognition and timely medical attention can prevent long-term health damage and support healthier adulthood.
