A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that most cases of hypertension in children and teens are going undiagnosed. Hypertension has become more prevalent due to the dramatic rise in childhood obesity.
"The study reported that of 507 children and adolescents with hypertension, just 131 had a diagnosis of that condition or high blood pressure in the medical records. The study also found that if a pediatrician did not recognize the problem, it would be years before it was diagnosed and treated, resulting in unnecessary end-organ damage."
Because children who are overweight or obese are especially at risk for high blood pressure, it should be checked at every doctor's office visit.
Labels: health_care, heart_disease, hypertension