Weight loss and control of blood pressure may be useful in preventing the adverse cardiac effects of hypertension. Nearly 700,000 American children between the ages of 10 and 18 have hypertension, which tends to run in families but also can be the result of an underlying disease. When underlying disease causes hypertension, it is known as secondary hypertension. But many children have high blood pressure for unknown reasons, and this is called primary hypertension. Obesity is believed to be an important factor in the development of primary hypertension for children and adults.
Medical evidence indicates that primary hypertension in adults begins in childhood.
The American Heart Association recommends yearly blood pressure measurements for all children, starting at age 3 with well-child care. Serving infants to adolescents, Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati is an international leader in pediatric healthcare, research and education.