High Blood Pressure in Children: What Parents Should Know

High blood pressure (hypertension), which affects people of all ages including children and teens alike, has become more prevalent over time among U.S. youth under 18. Up to five percent may already have full high blood pressure whereas another 10 percent are estimated as being at risk due to elevated levels of their blood pressure that puts them on track towards full high blood pressure later. These rates have significantly increased since some time back due to lifestyle and health challenges faced by youth today.

What Does High Blood Pressure Mean in Kids?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against vessel walls as the heart pumps. What constitutes “normal” in children varies with their age, height and gender – doctors thus employ percentile charts instead of one fixed number to diagnose hypertension in them when their readings exceed 95th percentile for their group over multiple visits; adults typically meet criteria with 130/80mm Hg as being an indicator for high blood pressure.

High blood pressure often goes undetected in children. While adults might notice sudden, severe spikes, most don’t experience symptoms and high readings are only detected during regular checkups – making regular measurements even more essential, particularly among those at increased risk, like obesity or family history of hypertension.

What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure in Young People?

Children and teenagers may experience high blood pressure for various reasons:

Obesity and excess weight put strain on both heart and blood vessels, further exacerbating hypertension in many individuals, with family history being an additional risk. Diet high in salt intake combined with poor nutrition as well as lack of physical activity leading to inactive lifestyles are other contributors of hypertension.
Medical conditions, like kidney disease or hormonal disorders, as well as medications may increase blood pressure as side effects.

Since obesity rates among children worldwide have skyrocketed, so has their rate of high blood pressure. This trend has raised serious concern, since elevated blood pressure in childhood often continues into adulthood – increasing risks like heart disease, strokes, kidney problems and other potential issues later.

As normal blood pressure varies with children’s growth, doctors rely on age and size-adjusted percentiles rather than an absolute number to make diagnoses of hypertension in kids. If initial readings seem high, physicians typically repeat measurements over time in order to confirm if hypertension actually exists; alternatively accurate diagnosis could include monitoring at home with continuous measurement devices, which track readings throughout the day.

Regular screening for children who are three or older, those who are overweight, those who have a family history of high blood pressure or health conditions that warrant early intervention is especially vital to protect the heart, kidneys and blood vessels against long-term damage. Early diagnosis allows doctors to intervene early enough.

Manage Blood Pressure in Kids by Assessing their levels regularly

Doctors typically start by advocating lifestyle modifications before prescribing medications: encouraging a diet low in salt and processed food, increasing physical activity levels and supporting weight stability. If blood pressure remains elevated or there are risk factors for organ damage, medications may need to be considered.

Key Takeaways for Families

High blood pressure among children isn’t rare and often presents itself without symptoms, making regular checks essential. Healthy habits – such as nutritious eating, regular physical activity and limiting sugary and salty snacks – not only contribute to keeping blood pressure under control but also contribute positively to overall wellbeing.