Systematic review and meta-analysis examining the global prevalence of hypertension among younger populations

Hypertension is a long-term condition characterized by raised blood pressure on repeated measurements. It results from alteration in the mechanisms regulating vascular tone, blood volume and cardiac output. The development of hypertension is influenced by lifestyle factors such as high dietary sodium intake, lack of physical activity, stress, undiagnosed comorbidities, dyslipidemia, overweight, and family history3. Uncontrolled hypertension can affect multiple organ systems resulting in complications such as chronic kidney disease, heart failure and stroke1,3. Hypertension is a global health problem with a growing prevalence that increasingly affects children and adolescent populations1. Despite this growing trend, there is paucity of research studies on its prevalence among this age group. This secondary research study examines the global prevalence estimate and the regional distribution of hypertension among children and adolescents.