Doctors in the UK are calling for routine blood pressure testing in children and adolescents amid concern that cases of high blood pressure have almost doubled over the past two decades. Currently, there is no systematic screening for hypertension in UK schools, meaning many young people with elevated readings may go undiagnosed until adulthood.
Experts say early detection during childhood could help prevent long-term health issues such as kidney disease, strokes and heart attacks later in life. They suggest blood pressure checks could be incorporated into existing health monitoring programmes, such as school health assessments or NHS adolescent checks.
Rising rates of childhood hypertension are linked to lifestyle factors including poor diet, physical inactivity, excess weight and high salt intake, with doctors warning that early intervention — both medical and lifestyle-based — may reduce future health burdens.
