Secondhand Smoke Tied to High Blood Pressure in Kids

Exposure poses risk for lifelong cardiovascular problems, experts say


By Alan Mozes

HealthDay Reporter 

MONDAY, Jan. 10 (HealthDay News) — Young kids who live with a parent who smokes face an increased risk for developing high blood pressure while still children, a new study has found.

Warning that children with high blood pressure often become adults with the same problem, the researchers suggested that secondhand smoke poses a substantial and long-term risk to the cardiovascular welfare of young children.

“The prevention of adult diseases like stroke or heart attack begins during childhood,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Giacomo D. Simonetti, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at the University of Bern, in Switzerland. “Removing any avoidable risk factors as soon as possible will help reduce the risk for heart disease later on and improve the long-term health of children.”

And, he added, “Passive smoking is a risk factor. And an avoidable risk factor. So do not smoke because it is not healthy for you and for your children. Smoking increases your — and your children’s — blood pressure.”

Read Full Article Here