Hypertension in kids

CHENNAI: Hypertension is no more just an adult disorder. City doctors say they are increasingly seeing teens with hypertension along with high cholesterol levels and obesity.
A Chennai-based epidemiological study done by the MV hospital on diabetes shows at least 5% of the children have high blood pressure and diabetes, says diabetologist Dr Vijay Vishwanath."We have been seeing more and more children with such disorders in their teens, or even earlier. Such children normally have a faster heart rate and high obesity levels. Though many may require just lifestyle modifications, some are put on blood thinners very early in life," he said.
Studies in cities like Delhi have also shown that 6% of children and teenagers suffer from hypertension. "In the west, studies have always related obesity to hypertension. Many children today show signs of hypertension early in life even if they don't have hypertension. To make things worse, they rarely exercise and their salt intake is high," said diabetologist Dr V Mohan, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation
Hypertension among adolescents, pediatricians say is often underdiagnosed. "We normally do not screen for hypertension in kids. It is mostly secondary to some diseases of the heart or kidney. But we are beginning to see high levels of cholesterol, obesity, hypertension and diabetes in teens. So now we have consciously started checking for blood pressure in teens," says Dr Deepa Hariharan, pediatrician, Sooriya Hospital.
High blood pressure, they say, is also related to family history, fat and salt intake, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lower physical activity. "High hip-waist circumference, obesity and a family history of blood pressure are often indicators of hypertension among children. Considering its association with obesity, it should be investigated in pediatric clinics," said Dr Vijay.