Urine test could help identify high blood pressure risk in kids

A new study has revealed that measuring sodium in a child's urine may help doctors identify those at risk for having high blood pressure later in life.

Researchers used a new protocol to quickly screen 19 children who were 10 to 19-year-olds and found that of the eight who retained sodium, seven had high blood pressure.

The inability to properly excrete sodium in the body can occur during stress.

Sodium retention increases fluid in the blood vessels, which can impact blood pressure. High blood pressure can develop over time if the body can't properly regulate sodium, and is a serious risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Gregory Harshfield, Ph.D., study senior researcher and director of the Institute of the Georgia Prevention Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Ga., said that the results of this test could also provide useful information that could help pediatricians better manage and treat hypertension in their patients.

The study was presented at the American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions 2013.