WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment increased to a one-year high in early April amid strengthening economic growth, though households worried about inflation heating up this year, according to a survey released on Friday.

The University of Michigan said its preliminary consumer sentiment index rose to 86.5 in the first half of this month from a final reading of 84.9 in March. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index rising to 89.6.

The survey's barometer of current economic conditions increased to a reading of 97.2 from 93.0 in March. Its measure of consumer expectations was unchanged at 79.7.

The survey's one-year inflation expectation jumped to 3.7% from 3.1%, while its five-to-10-year inflation outlook was unchanged at 2.7%. (Reporting By Lucia Mutikani Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)