Hypertension is a disease responsible for 7.1 million deaths per year worldwide. Related conditions are the leading cause of mortality in Europe, with an annual economic impact of approximately one billion euros. Although the most significant impact occurs in adulthood and old age, high blood pressure also appears in early life, a cardiovascular risk factor that has received relatively little attention. Hypertension contributes significantly to cardiovascular and kidney diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease.

This network, led by the University of Valencia and the General University Hospital of Valencia, is supported by the European Society of Hypertension. Among its key achievements, “HyperChildNET has tested and validated blood pressure monitors specifically designed for children”, explains lead researcher Empar Lurbe.

The research, rated as excellent, demonstrated that blood pressure readings taken during doctor’s visits often differ from 24-hour blood pressure monitoring results, highlighting that the two measurement methods provide valuable yet different information. For instance, some children show normal readings in a doctor’s office but have high blood pressure during the day, whereas others display the opposite pattern.

HyperChildNET has developed three free online calculators (Paediatric Office BP Calculator; Paediatric 24-Hour ABPM Calculator; Paediatric Home BP Calculator), which take into account a child’s age, gender and height when assessing BP. These tools have transformed how healthcare providers work, with more than 10,000 professionals worldwide using them to quickly evaluate blood pressure readings and track treatment.

High blood pressure is a condition that can begin in childhood but receives little attention in younger populations. HyperChildNET’s research highlights that maintaining healthy blood pressure from childhood through primary prevention — addressing risk factors before they develop — can lead to healthier adults and lower healthcare costs.

The studies revealed significant health implications of high blood pressure in children. In specialised clinics, researchers found that 20% of children with high blood pressure developed thicker heart muscles. They also discovered that high blood pressure affects blood vessel function and cognitive performance. When these children and adolescents received treatment and their blood pressure was regularly monitored, their cognitive abilities improved.

The HyperChildNET project has revolutionised education in paediatric hypertension, making it accessible in multiple languages across Europe and beyond. Its innovative joint publication with the European Academy of Paediatrics, which represents 67 paediatric societies, has become a global resource. Recognising the need for parents to manage their children’s condition, HyperChildNET has developed engaging multilingual educational materials in clear and accessible language.

Preventing childhood obesity

Building on its expertise in paediatric hypertension and recognising obesity as a driving force behind it, members of HyperChildNET are participating in the eprObes project, a €9.87 million Horizon Europe grant that began in May 2023. Over the next five years, this initiative will investigate how to prevent childhood obesity, from conception through to adolescence.

Annex photo caption: 

The HyperChildNET research group, with Empar Lurbe, emeritus professor of the Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Valencia.