Hypertension in children and adolescents: emerging global evidence and clinical implications

Hypertension in children and adolescents is a growing public health concern; it poses immediate risks to health and frequently persists into adulthood, where it accelerates target organ damage and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes. This review summarizes recent studies published between 2024 and 2025 addressing hypertension in children and adolescents. Recent findings highlight obesity and asthma as major risk factors and point to systemic inflammation as a potential biomarker. Longitudinal cohort studies show that hypertension during childhood and adolescence strongly predicts future cardiovascular events and kidney disease, reinforcing the need for early detection and intervention. Together, these studies establish hypertension in youth as a distinct clinical entity that requires timely recognition and management. School- and community-based screening, education, and lifestyle interventions are promising approaches to reduce both its prevalence and long-term complications. Future research should clarify mechanistic links with inflammation, identify sensitive biomarkers for early detection, and evaluate tailored preventive strategies. Coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts will be essential to mitigate the lifelong burden of hypertension originating in childhood and adolescence. (Figure presented.)

Duke Scholars

Author Yuichiro Yano Family Medicine and Community Health