Hypertension – high blood pressure – affects more than 1.3 million adults worldwide. However, hypertension is becoming increasingly common in teens, too, raising concerns about the condition’s effects. A recent study found that teens with high blood pressure and arterial stiffness exhibit poor cognitive function.

The study involved 116 male and female teens (average age, 16 years). Researchers measured their physical activity and sedentary time with a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor. They assessed their cognitive function through psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and learning tests. They measured the participants' blood pressure and evaluated aspects of their arterial health, including pulse wave velocity—a measure of arterial stiffness.

They found that more than half (50.4%) of the teens were pre-hypertensive or had stage 1 or 2 hypertension. Teens with higher systolic blood pressure exhibited poorer overall cognition and slower reaction times than those who were normotensive. Those with increased pulse wave velocity exhibited diminished accuracy in working memory tasks.

These findings suggest that high blood pressure and arterial stiffness contribute to poor cognitive function in teens. Preventing high blood pressure during this critical developmental period could support better cognitive outcomes, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health in youth.

The average teen spends several hours each day in screen time, contributing to increased sedentary behavior and higher blood pressure. Learn more about the harmful effects of excessive screen time in teens and children in this short video featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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