Hypertension rising among teens

Health experts in Bengaluru have noticed a rise in hypertension (high blood pressure) cases among teenagers over the past five years. Ahead of World Hypertension Day on May 17, they weigh in on the concerning trend.

Rajashree P K, a dietician-nutritionist based in Pulikeshi Nagar, said the number of parents seeking advice on healthy food choices and exercise routines for their adolescents has increased five-fold since 2020. She shared, “Previously, I received only 5-10 such consultations annually, but this figure has now exceeded 50. With the growing use of digital devices among children aged 10 and above, conditions like hypertension and diabetes are becoming common.”

Dr Huzefa I Suratwala, a general physician, has recorded a 10% rise in hypertension cases among teenagers in the past five years. “Teenagers who are overweight and consume high-sodium, cheese-rich diets are more susceptible to these conditions,” he explained. “They are often engrossed in social media and lack physical activity, leading to excessive calorie intake and obesity.” He further highlighted that a family history of hypertension (parents or grandparents with the condition) can predispose children to develop it earlier in life. Stress from peer pressure or academic demands also contributes to elevated blood pressure levels, he added.

Rising obesity

Dr Yogesh Kumar Gupta, a consultant paediatrician and intensivist at a private hospital, has observed a 3% increase in hypertension cases among children aged 6 to 13 since 2020. He pointed out that both primary and secondary hypertension (resulting from underlying medical conditions) are now being diagnosed among children. “With rising obesity rates among children, they are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes,” he warned.

Poor sleep

Gupta emphasised that children who spend late nights watching videos or browsing social media often engage in binge-eating. “Prolonged exposure to screens can disrupt their circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep patterns,” he noted. Irregular schedules can, thus, cause hormonal imbalances, which in turn result in obesity — a major risk factor for hypertension in teenagers

Cardiologist Dr Amith R reported a four-fold increase in hypertension cases among teenagers. “Excessive screen time, whether for leisure or homework, has disrupted sleep habits,” he explained, adding, “In many families with working parents, frequent orders from quick commerce apps have replaced home-cooked meals, which is not a healthy practice.”

Suratwala also brings attention to the common issue of “mindless eating”. “Many teenagers tend to snack while socialising with friends or even when alone, consuming calories that their bodies do not need. Such eating habits can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of hypertension,” he said.

How to combat hypertension

*Maintain a calorie deficit if overweight.

*Avoid high-calorie foods, including carbonated drinks, sweets, and salty snacks.

*Engage in at least 45 minutes of cardio exercises (swimming, cycling, or jogging) five days a week.

*Regulate screen time.

*Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.