Why doctors want children screened for high blood pressure from age seven
- Posted on July 20, 2026
- By The Sydney Morning Herald
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- 1 min read
In brief
Hypertension in children has become an increasingly critical public health concern, with approximately 44,000 Australian children affected by elevated blood pressure levels. Medical professionals advocate for systematic screening beginning at age seven to identify at-risk youth early. Contributing factors include excessive sodium consumption, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and complications from premature birth. Early detection and intervention can prevent serious cardiovascular complications in adulthood and establish healthy habits during formative years.
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Why doctors want children screened for high blood pressure from age seven
Salty diets, pre-term births and inactivity are among factors contributing to up to 44,000 Australian children living with high blood pressure, often without knowing it.
