High blood pressure (BP) is often associated with adults, but it can also begin in childhood, with lasting health effects. The lack of awareness and focus on childhood hypertension has prompted the formation of the Action Network for Blood Pressure Research in Children and Adolescents (HyperChildNET). This initiative is Europe’s first comprehensive network dedicated to tackling high blood pressure in young populations. Research by HyperChildNET suggests that early prevention and control of high BP in children could lead to healthier adults and reduce future healthcare costs.
Professor Empar Lurbe, Chair of HyperChildNET and a renowned expert from the University of Valencia, emphasizes the urgent need for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension in children. According to Professor Lurbe, the absence of focused research and standardized clinical practices has hindered progress in addressing this condition.
Accurate blood pressure measurement in children is challenging and requires specialized tools. HyperChildNET has enhanced the accuracy of blood pressure readings by testing and validating monitors designed specifically for children. The network also built Europe’s largest database, containing information from 39,000 children across eight countries. This data has been crucial in understanding how BP varies among young populations.
The research uncovered significant differences between readings taken at doctor’s offices and those taken via 24-hour monitoring. For instance, while some children may show normal BP during doctor visits, they may experience high blood pressure throughout the day, a condition called “masked hypertension.” Conversely, others show high readings only at the doctor’s office, a condition known as “white coat hypertension.” Both patterns offer valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
HyperChildNET also developed three free online calculators to help healthcare professionals assess BP in children. These calculators account for factors like age, gender, and height. More than 10,000 healthcare providers globally use these tools to track BP readings and treatment progress. However, a diagnosis of hypertension still requires three separate measurements for confirmation.
Studies conducted by HyperChildNET revealed the serious health implications of untreated high blood pressure in children. In specialist clinics, 20% of children with high BP showed signs of thickened heart muscles, a condition that can lead to further complications. Additionally, high BP was found to affect both blood vessel function and cognitive abilities. Encouragingly, when treated, children often showed improvement in mental performance.
Given the limited opportunities for clinical trials in children, HyperChildNET has proposed new treatment approaches, including personalized trials that track individual responses to treatment. The network also advocates for incorporating digital health technologies to monitor treatment progress more effectively.
HyperChildNET has worked to make education about pediatric hypertension accessible to a wider audience. The network collaborated with the European Academy of Paediatrics, which represents 67 pediatric societies, to create a joint statement that has been downloaded over 5,500 times globally. To reach parents and caregivers, HyperChildNET has developed educational materials in multiple languages, using simple language to ensure clarity.
In addition to providing resources for parents, the network has engaged young people in educating their peers about hypertension. This innovative approach includes videos in which teenagers explain the condition to other children, proving that the best teachers can often be those who relate directly to their audience.
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