Findings in a recent study have raised concerns over the sharp rise in number of youngsters visiting hospitals for a blood-pressure check-up. It has been revealed that the increase has touched skies, since the past 10-years.

Statistical reports suggest that during the year 2006, teenagers ageing 18 admitted to hospitals in America due to high blood pressure accounted to 24,602, which was majorly double the figures administered during the year 1997, 12,661

Experts of the study have warned that a sudden increase in the rates of hospital stays of young adults due to blood pressure will ultimately result in increase in health care costs. Moreover, these teenagers, who are already suffering from high blood pressure, will definitely be affected by major health concerns in coming time.

Researcher Cheryl Tran, MD, of the University of Michigan, said “A central discovery in the study goes beyond the obvious health cost to the children and highlights the actual cost of treating high blood pressure in young people”.

He illustrated that during the 10-year period, hospital stays costed almost $3.1 billion. On an average, treatment of these youngsters have accounted in an increase in health care costs by 50%. The researchers suggested that the major reason behind this scenario is obesity.