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Salty Foods, Lack Of Exercise Factor Into Kids High Blood Pressure

Last updated on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

(UNDATED) - A new American Heart Association study says that kids’ blood pressure has jumped about 30 percent in the past 13 years.

The study blames it on higher obesity rates among kids and teens and the fact that more kids are eating saltier meals and snacks and exercising far less.

The study says 80 percent of kids studied had daily salt intakes of more than 2300 milligrams when they should be 1500 milligrams total.

Dr. Michael McKenna is a pediatrician at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. McKenna says kids with high blood pressure are far more likely to have it as adults.

McKenna says it difficult to say what's considered high blood pressure for kids, but their age and height are determining factors. He does say that normal blood pressure for adults at - 120 over 80 - is too high for kids.

Dr. McKenna says parents need to make changes in their diets in order for kids to follow suit.

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