# Hypertension rates in Brazilian youth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hypertension-rates-in-brazilian-youth
> Updated: 2026-10-22T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

A study conducted by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) as part of the ‘Brasil Coração Saudável’ project has found that 28.3% of children and adolescents up to age 18 in Brazil suffer from hypertension. An additional 11.6% of the surveyed population were classified as pre-hypertensive.

The research, which involved 6,092 students from 38 schools across Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo, identified a strong correlation between weight and blood pressure. Among participants with obesity, 48.4% had hypertension, a rate that increased to 60.5% for obese individuals aged 15 to 18. Approximately one-third of the participants were categorized as either overweight (19.5%) or obese (13.6%).

Contributing lifestyle factors identified in the study include sedentary behavior and inadequate nutrition. Data showed that 59% of participants spend more than three hours daily in front of screens, while 66% engage in only one to two hours of physical activity per week. Project coordinator Álvaro Avezum attributed the rising cardiovascular risks to a combination of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and increased stress.

## Claims

- 28.3% of children and adolescents in the study presented hypertension. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 11.6% of the participants were classified as pre-hypertensive. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The study surveyed 6,092 students from 38 schools. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The survey was conducted between June 3 and October 7, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 48.4% of children and adolescents with obesity presented hypertension. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 60.5% of obese adolescents aged 15 to 18 presented hypertension. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 59% of participants spend more than three hours per day on screens outside of school. (single source)
- 66% of participants practice only one to two hours of physical activity per week. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Brazil study finds hypertension in 28.3% of children and adolescents

A Brazilian Society of Cardiology study found that 28.3% of surveyed children and adolescents have hypertension, with high rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles linked to the trend.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-study-finds-hypertension-in-283-of-children-and-adolescents

### 2026-10-20: Hypertension affects 28% of Brazilian children and adolescents

A Brazilian Society of Cardiology study finds 28.3% of children and adolescents in Brazil have hypertension, linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and high screen time.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hypertension-affects-28-of-brazilian-children-and-adolescents

---
Cite as: Hypertension rates in Brazilian youth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hypertension-rates-in-brazilian-youth