Jahnavi Sarma
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Hypertension is a condition that is usually seen as a disease of the elderly. But this is a misconception. High blood pressure, the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), can manifest as early as childhood, and the prevalence of high blood pressure among children continues to rise. According to a new study at the University of Basel in Switzerland, young children with narrow retinal artery diameters are more likely to develop higher blood pressure while children with higher blood pressure levels were more likely to develop retinal microvascular impairment during early childhood.
In previous studies, analysis of blood vessels in the retina has shown promise as a predictor of CVD risk among adults. According to researchers, hypertension continues to be the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Primary prevention strategies are needed to focus on screening retinal microvascular health and blood pressure in young children in order to identify those at increased risk of developing hypertension. Early treatment and lifestyle changes to reduce hypertension can help these children to a great extent.
For the current findings, published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers sought to predict the development of high blood pressure in children over four years based on retinal blood vessel measurements. They screened 262 children ages six to eight from 26 schools in Basel, Switzerland, in 2014, for baseline blood pressure and retinal arterial measurements. Both measures were taken again in 2018. Blood pressure measurements at both baseline and follow-up were performed in a sitting position after a minimum of five minutes of rest and were categorised based on the American Academy of Pediatrics' blood pressure guidelines. Results from the analysis indicate that children with narrower retinal vessel diameters at baseline developed higher systolic blood pressure at follow-up.
The findings showed that children with higher blood pressure levels at baseline developed significantly narrower arteriolar diameters at follow-up, depending on weight and cardiorespiratory fitness. Researchers say that early childhood assessments of retinal microvascular health and blood pressure monitoring can improve cardiovascular risk classification. They noted limitations of their study. According to them, since they could not confirm blood pressure measurements over a single 24-hour period, they were not able to not ccount for "white coat" hypertension, a condition where patients have high blood pressure readings when measured in a medical setting.
The treatment for high blood pressure is the same in children and adults. Lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing the condition. If your child has high BP, you can take some measure to bring it down. Obesity is a major cause of this condition. So make sure that your child maintains an ideal weight and is not overweight. Include fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein like fish and chicken in your child's diet. Limit fat and sugar intake and use less salt in dishes. Junk food is a big no and exercise is a must. Limit screen time and teach your child to use that time to indulge in some form of physical activity instead.