High Blood Pressure in Children Raises Midlife Death Risk by 50%

High blood pressure in children has been linked to a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular death in midlife, according to a comprehensive study presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025 in Baltimore. The research, published in the medical journal JAMA, reveals that children as young as seven with elevated blood pressure face up to a 50% higher risk of dying from heart-related diseases by the time they reach midlife.

The study analyzed health records from over 38,000 children enrolled in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, which took place from 1959 to 1965. Researchers tracked health outcomes through the National Death Index until 2016, when participants had an average age of 54. Out of the 38,252 individuals studied, 2,837 had died, including 504 deaths attributed to cardiovascular causes such as heart attacks and strokes.

The findings indicate a clear correlation between childhood blood pressure levels and future cardiovascular risk. Children with blood pressure readings in the 90th to 94th percentile experienced a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular death. Those in the 95th percentile or above faced a 50% increased risk. Even minor elevations in blood pressure above average contributed to an increased risk of 13% to 18% later in life.

Implications for Health Monitoring

The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Alexa Freedman from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, expressed surprise at the long-term implications of high blood pressure in childhood. “We were surprised to find that high blood pressure in childhood was linked to serious health conditions many years later. Hypertension in childhood may increase death risk by 40% to 50% across five decades of life,” she stated.

Experts are emphasizing the urgent need for regular blood pressure screenings in children. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual checks starting at age three, many families and clinics do not adhere to this guideline. Since children often do not display symptoms of high blood pressure, early detection through routine screening is crucial. Implementing lifestyle changes—including healthier diets, reduced salt intake, regular exercise, improved sleep, and stress management—can significantly mitigate risks.

The researchers acknowledged certain limitations in their study. These included the reliance on a single blood pressure measurement taken at age seven and a less diverse study population. Nevertheless, the extensive follow-up period and the large scale of the study lend considerable credibility to its findings.

This research marks a pivotal shift in how medical professionals approach heart health prevention, suggesting that the origins of cardiovascular disease may begin much earlier than previously recognized. As Dr. Freedman noted, “Even in childhood, blood pressure numbers matter. It is crucial for parents and doctors to take these readings seriously.”