High blood pressure cases among children nearly double in 20 yrs as poor diets and stress take their toll, Lancet study shows

The prevalence of high blood pressure among children and adolescents has nearly doubled in the past two decades, according to a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. The research, which analysed data from over 14 million children and teenagers aged 6 to 19 across 200 countries, found that hypertension cases rose from about 3 per cent in 2000 to over 6 per cent in 2020.

Experts say the rise reflects profound lifestyle changes including processed food consumption, increased screen time and lack of physical activity that are reshaping young people’s health worldwide. The findings are especially concerning for India, where rapid urbanisation and dietary transitions are contributing to a surge in childhood obesity and early-onset hypertension.

‘A family health issue, not just an adult problem’

“It’s quite alarming that today one in every ten children has high blood pressure,” said Dr Manisha Arora, Director – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “A few years ago, we only advised parents or older adults to get their BP checked. But now, everyone including children and teenagers needs to monitor their blood pressure regularly.”

Dr Arora attributed the growing trend to poor diets, minimal physical activity, and excessive screen time. “Children today are eating more junk food and processed snacks instead of home-cooked meals. Long screen hours, academic stress, and irregular sleep patterns are silently taking a toll. What’s worrying is that high BP in children often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t show obvious symptoms early on,” she added, urging parents to make blood pressure monitoring a family habit.

Hypertension no longer an adult disease

The Lancet findings are “deeply concerning and serve as a wake-up call”, said Dr Swati Kanodia, Consultant – Paediatric Endocrinology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital. “Nearly one in ten teenagers worldwide is estimated to have high blood pressure. This rise mirrors modern lifestyles marked by sedentary habits, processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity.”

Dr Kanodia adds that in India, the dual burden of obesity and undernutrition worsens the situation. “Many teens consume diets high in salt, sugar, and fats while spending long hours indoors. Elevated blood pressure at a young age significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications later in life,” she added.

Screening and lifestyle changes key

According to Dr (Prof) Ranjan Shetty, Medical Director – SPARSH Group of Hospitals and Lead Consultant – Cardiology, Bangalore, “The prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents has nearly doubled in 20 years from about 3% in 2000 to over 6% in 2020. This shows hypertension can no longer be seen as an adult-only disease.”

He explains that obesity, lack of exercise, and stress are major triggers. “High blood pressure during adolescence increases the risk of serious conditions like heart and kidney disease later. Alarmingly, about 9% of children may have ‘masked hypertension’, where clinic readings appear normal but home measurements are high. Regular screening, both at hospitals and at home, is crucial,” Dr Shetty said.

A generational lifestyle change

“High blood pressure in teens is on the rise, reflecting a wider generational lifestyle shift,” observed Dr Ashish Agarwal, Director & Unit Head (Unit-1) – Cardiology, Aakash Healthcare. “Increased dependence on processed food, sedentary habits, academic stress, and poor sleep routines are driving this trend.”

He adds that adolescent hypertension is often silent until it manifests later in life. “Early diagnosis and intervention through screening, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management can prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney complications in adulthood,” Dr Agarwal added.

A silent but preventable epidemic

“The rising number of children and teenagers with high blood pressure is a serious warning we cannot ignore,” warned Lt Gen (Dr) Narendra Kotwal, Director – Endocrinology, Paras Health, Panchkula. “Modern lifestyle habits such as poor diet, frequent consumption of processed foods, lack of exercise, and long hours on screens are key drivers.”

He warned that high BP in children often goes unnoticed due to the absence of obvious symptoms. “We are increasingly seeing teenagers with early signs of lifestyle-related health problems once confined to adults. The good news is that these conditions are preventable through simple steps such as outdoor activity, balanced diets rich in fruits and whole grains, and adequate rest,” Dr Kotwal added.