Some Teens Face Heart Trouble Down the Road

Study finds those who had high blood pressure developed artery problems later

THURSDAY, July 24 (HealthDayNews) -- Teens who have high blood pressure could be in store for cardiovascular problems as adults, contends new research.

In a study of 750 adults aged 27 to 30 years old, researchers from the University Medical Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands, found those with the thickest artery walls -- considered a measure of vascular damage -- were the adults who'd had the highest blood pressure as adolescents. Besides measuring their artery walls, the researchers recorded the participants' blood pressure, gave them a physical examination and reviewed their medical records.

Parents should have their teens' blood pressure checked regularly, according to Dr. Michael Weber, an editor of the American Journal of Hypertension, which includes a report on the study in its July issue.

About 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure.

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Here's where you can learn more about high blood pressure in teens.

--Linda Searing

SOURCE: American Journal of Hypertension, news release, July 18, 2003

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