Children who record even one high blood pressure reading are significantly more likely to go on to develop high blood pressure in adulthood, new research has found.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major cause of heart attack and stroke. However, it rarely carries any signs or symptoms. In fact, a person can look and feel well even if they have it.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked by a health professional, such as a GP or pharmacist.

US scientists followed the progress of 1,117 teenagers over almost three decades. When the participants were younger, blood pressure readings were taken by either doctors or school nurses.

After taking into account factors that could influence the results, such as gender and weight, the scientists from Indiana University School of Medicine found a direct link between blood pressure readings in childhood and the condition in adulthood.

The study found that among children who did not display high blood pressure readings, just over 8% went on to develop high blood pressure as adults.

However, among those who had one high blood pressure reading as a child, this rate rose to 18%. Furthermore, among those who had two or more high readings during childhood, the rate rose to 35%.

According to the scientists, these findings suggest that even occasional jumps in blood pressure during childhood should not be ignored as they could signal problems later on.

"This study highlights the need for paediatricians to regularly check blood pressure and weight. An occasional increase in blood pressure does not justify treatment, but it does justify following these children more carefully," they said.

Details of these findings were presented at the American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions 2013.