New Delhi: Children with elevated blood pressure as early as age seven may face a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 and simultaneously published in JAMA.The study is the first to track the long-term impact on cardiovascular mortality of both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure measured in early childhood. While earlier research showed that hypertension in older children (average age 12 years) raised the risk of cardiovascular death in adulthood, the new findings suggest the danger window opens even earlier. Blood pressure readings at age seven, researchers say, could act as a warning signal for midlife heart disease.The concern is especially relevant in India, where studies show that hypertension among children is rising steadily. A 2021 review of 64 studies by Meena, et al., estimated that 7% of Indian children and adolescents have hypertension, with prevalence climbing after 2005. The risk was found to be higher in urban settings and dramatically elevated among obese children — 29% compared with 7% in those of normal weight.“Blood pressure checks in children are usually opportunistic — usually only done if they are obese, have a family history or other risk factors. Detailed guidance exists but universal routine screening is still not practised in India,” said Dr Mukesh Goel, senior consultant, cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. He added that lack of time in high-volume clinics, shortage of paediatric BP cuffs, inadequate training and competing priorities in primary care contributed to the gap.Urban lifestyle pressures are also a factor. “Heavy academic pressure, reduced outdoor activity, shrinking playgrounds and long hours on gadgets fuel obesity and hypertension in children,” noted Dr Dinesh Yadav, paediatric cardiologist, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. “The easy availability and aggressive marketing of junk food high in salt and trans fats form a dangerous cocktail that is leading to childhood hypertension and even premature deaths.“Globally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual blood pressure checks starting at age three, but in India such screenings are often skipped during routine clinic visits. “These results reinforce the importance of tracking cardiovascular risk factors early. Detecting high BP in children gives families and doctors a chance to intervene before irreversible damage occurs,” one of the study’s authors said.The consequences of ignorance can be serious. “If left untreated, high BP in children can persist into adulthood, causing early organ damage,” explained Goel. “We see thickened heart muscles, stiffer arteries and early signs of clogged vessels. Kidney problems can appear earlier, and the risk of stroke and heart disease multiplies as the children grow. The good news is that early detection and proper control can prevent most of these complications.“
