CHILDHOOD hypertension is emerging as a major public health concern, affecting millions of children and adolescents across the globe. A new systematic review and meta-analysis provides the most comprehensive estimates to date, highlighting both the scale of the problem and worrying trends over the past two decades.
Global Prevalence of Childhood Hypertension
The study analysed 96 population-based articles published between 2000 and 2025, including data from more than 443,000 children and adolescents aged 19 years or younger across 21 countries. Researchers used two diagnostic approaches: repeated in-office blood pressure measurements and a combination of in-office and out-of-office readings. These methods allowed a detailed assessment of both general and sustained hypertension in the paediatric population.
Childhood Hypertension Trends by Age and Sex
For the in-office approach, the pooled prevalence of childhood hypertension was 4.28%, with rates rising with age and peaking at 14 years before declining slightly. Alarmingly, the analysis revealed that between 2000 and 2020, prevalence nearly doubled. In boys, hypertension rates increased from 3.40% to 6.53%, while in girls, rates rose from 3.02% to 5.82%. Using the combination approach, which captures sustained hypertension, the prevalence was even higher at 6.67%.
Urgent Need for Standardised Diagnostic Criteria
These findings emphasise the urgent need for harmonised diagnostic standards in paediatric hypertension research. Differences in measurement approaches contribute to variations in reported prevalence, making it harder to track trends and implement effective public health interventions. Early detection and monitoring are essential, as high blood pressure in childhood can predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and other serious health issues in adulthood.
Childhood hypertension is no longer a rare condition. Its prevalence is increasing rapidly worldwide, highlighting the need for early screening, preventive measures, and standardised diagnostic approaches. Addressing this growing public health challenge is crucial to safeguarding the long-term health of future generations.
Reference
Zhou J et al. Global prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents aged 19 years or younger: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2025; DOI:10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00281-0.
