GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - High blood pressure in children has nearly doubled, according to a new global study showing hypertension isn’t just a problem for adults.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

The research looks at data from the last two decades for those 19 and under.

The new study found that back in 2000, rates of hypertension in boys and girls hovered around 3%, but by 2020 those numbers went up to around 6%.

Health risks and contributing factors

Doctors say kids with hypertension are at a greater risk of developing heart disease later in life.

Experts say dietary factors in kids, like consuming high levels of sodium and ultra-processed food, can contribute to their risk of hypertension.

Researchers also say kids are moving around less than

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