Study: High Blood Pressure in Kids Linked to High Body Mass Index

High blood pressure in children is linked with an increased body mass index (BMI), which is a significant risk factor for many serious diseases, according to researchers at Columbus Children's Research Institute in Ohio.

Dr. Donald Batisky, medical director, Renal Dialysis Unit, told the 2002 Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting in Baltimore that the researchers " originally thought children with a higher BMI would have primary hypertension, and this study confirmed that belief.

"Obesity among children is a serious concern, as are the consequences like cardiovascular disease or other complications," Batisky said. "We're treating children by suggesting lifestyle changes and implementing dietary guidelines, as well as using pharmacological methods."

Being overweight often causes hypertension or high blood pressure. The effects of hypertension include stroke, coronary heart disease, artherosclerosis and kidney disease and can begin during childhood. Uncontrolled elevated blood pressure can cause organ damage.

"Parents are aware that children are obese, but the obstacle that remains is that there is little reimbursement for exercise programs or nutrition counseling," said Batisky. "However, more insurance carriers are beginning to reimburse for these types of programs. We hope to raise more awareness of the issue as we study hypertension prospectively."

Other sources: Columbus Children's Research Institute