Washington, Aug 4 - Sedentary behaviours that involve TV viewing, computer use and video games seem to be linked with elevated blood pressure (BP) in children, according to a study.

'The clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors in overweight youth suggests that risks may be immediate and not just indicative of potential future problems,' the study authors write.

Although elevated BP is associated with genetic factors, healthy physical, dietary and sleep habits seem to be relevant contributors to blood pressure levels in children.

However, there have not been any clear links between sedentary behaviour and elevated blood pressure in children younger than nine years.

David Martinez-Gomez, of Iowa State University and colleagues examined associations between sedentary behaviour and elevated BP in 111 young children (57 boys and 54 girls ages three to eight).

'The results of this study showed that TV viewing and screen time were associated with elevated BP independent of body composition in children,' the authors said.

These findings were published in the Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.