The obesity rate of Virginia children may be a factor in Pediatric high blood pressure

Virginia children are at risk for hypertension and obesity.Photo byRobert CollinsonUnsplash

The University of Virginia Children's Health Department says Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension is rare but can be severe. The causes of high blood pressure in juveniles are similar to adults' diet and lack of exercise.

Virginia continues to have the highest rate of obesity in minors than other states, which can be a risk factor. Today's young people spend more time indoors on electronic devices than playing outside. The Roanoke Times reports that one out of seven US children may have high blood pressure.

Dr. Ahlia Sekkarie, an epidemiologist in the Department for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control, revealed that 14% of American children have high blood pressure or are heading in that direction.

Johns Hopkins says high blood pressure in children may have an underlying cause. Still, they recommend the same lifestyle changes that benefit adults in maintaining BP levels.