A consensus paper by heart health experts published today in European Heart Journal, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), has revealed that excess weight, inactivity, and diets high in salt and sugar account for about nine in ten of high blood pressure in adolescents and children. The document also recommended that families must get healthy together.
Parents'
Role
The first
author Professor Giovanni de Simone of the University of Naples Federico II,
Italy, said, "Parents are significant agents of change in the promotion of
children's health behaviors. Very often, high blood pressure and/or obesity
coexist in the same family. But even when this is not the case, it is desirable
that lifestyle modifications involve all family members."
Professor
de Simone said, "Parents should monitor the amount of time their children
spend watching TV or using smartphones and suggest active alternatives."
He also said, "Recording weight, eating habits, and exercise over time --
but without becoming obsessive -- can help young people and their families to
track progress towards their goals."
Recommending
a "health-promoting reward system," Professor de Simone said, "Ideal
incentives are those that increase social support and reinforce the value of
targeted behaviors, such as a family bike ride or a walk with friends."
The
document referred to childhood obesity and hypertension as "insidious
siblings, " gradually becoming a serious health hazard. Professor de
Simone said: "The rise in childhood hypertension is of great concern as it
is associated with persistence of hypertension and other cardiovascular
problems during adulthood."
Early
Diagnosis is Critical
Early diagnosis of high blood pressure can be crucial and be managed with lifestyle and medications. Professor de Simone said: "Screening should be performed in the primary care setting at least yearly, regardless of symptoms. This is because hypertension in children, as in adults, is usually asymptomatic."
In the early
stages of childhood
hypertension, the focus should be on educational and behavioral changes.
Drug use should be low and be increased only when necessary.
The Role
of Public Health Agencies
The study's
authors also called for public health agencies to prioritize the prevention and
management of hypertension in children and adolescents. For example, some campaigns
should be organized to increase awareness of the risks of high blood pressure
in young people. They should also be aware of the positive impact of a healthy
lifestyle, including physical activity, a nutritious diet low in salt and
sugar, and being a non-smoking individual. The children on TV and social media
should be limited and should not include the promotion of junk food or
potentially harmful lifestyle habits like sipping a cola (unhealthy and
sugar-laden) all the time.
Another
Research
Another research has
proven that increasing the number of PE lessons in the school timetable (about
10 hours a week) can also help improve children's blood pressure over time.
The consensus document was prepared by the ESC Council on Hypertension, European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions, Association for European Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, and ESC Council for Cardiology Practice.
Sources:
https://www.aninews.in/news/lifestyle/fitness/research-unhealthy-lifestyle-choices-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-in-kids-and-teens20220731235757/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220727211926.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9032198/