Childhood: the foundation for heart health

Evidence convincingly suggests that high blood pressure can begin in childhood. In children it is closely linked with various social determinants of health – notably maternal education – as prevalence seems to be higher in children of families with lower socioeconomic status. High blood pressure often affects poorer populations, and trends in adult heart health within these groups may very well be established in childhood, owing to the structural and functional cardiovascular changes caused by childhood high blood pressure.

Risk factors for childhood high blood pressure can be addressed to improve outcomes in childhood and later life. Birth weight, breastfeeding duration and a child’s body mass index, for example, are important potential predictors of raised blood pressure during childhood. Importantly, the relationship between a lower socioeconomic status and a higher blood pressure measurement in children points to a strong need to address social determinants as part of any programme to protect and promote health.