METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus for cross-sectional studies on adolescent hypertension/elevated BP in Asia published from January 2019 to June 2024, after which we narratively synthesised their findings.
RESULTS: Of the 2634 retrieved studies, 39 met the inclusion criteria, covering over 200 000 adolescents in Asia. The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 0.7% in urban Bangladesh to 24.5% in urban Malaysia, with urban areas generally showing higher rates than rural areas (e.g. India: 8.4% urban vs. 5.7% rural). By region, East Asia has the highest overall prevalence (14.25%), followed by West Asia (14.14%), South Asia (13.77%), Southeast Asia (13.16%), and Central Asia (12.37%). Males had higher prevalence rates (for example, 22.3% in Chinese males vs. 20% in females).
CONCLUSIONS: The increasing prevalence of adolescent hypertension in urban Asia is a significant public health concern. Although extensive research has been conducted in East and South Asia, there is a dearth of studies in Western, Southeast, and Central Asia, emphasising a need for future research. Standardised diagnostic criteria and targeted interventions are crucial for addressing regional disparities and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks.