Children with high blood pressure at age 7 may have a greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by their mid-50s, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 and published in JAMA.
This highlights the importance of early screening and prevention.
Children in the top 10% of blood pressure for their age, sex, and height had the highest risk of early cardiovascular death. Elevated blood pressure (90-94th percentile) and hypertension (≥95th percentile) at age 7 increased the risk of early cardiovascular death by 40-50%.
Even moderately higher-than-average blood pressure increased risk: 13% (systolic) and 18% (diastolic). Sibling comparisons confirmed that higher childhood blood pressure independently increased the risk.
“Having hypertension or elevated blood pressure as a child may increase the risk of death by 40% to 50% over the next five decades,” said Dr. Alexa Freedman, lead author.
Dr. Bonita Falkner added, “Monitoring blood pressure is important for cardiovascular health starting in childhood.”
This study analyzed data from 38,252 children in the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1965) and followed participants through 2016 using the National Death Index. Blood pressure was measured at age 7 and adjusted for demographic factors and body mass index. The study found 2,837 deaths by mid-50s, with 504 from cardiovascular disease.
The study is published in JAMA.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
