High Blood Pressure in Children(Hypertension in Children)
by
Rebecca J. Stahl, MA DefinitionHigh blood pressure is a blood pressure measurement that is higher than normal. Blood pressure is the force of blood on the blood vessel walls. It is measured as 2 numbers, for example 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). These 2 numbers stand for:
For adults, 120/80 mmHg is considered a normal reading. Children’s blood pressure readings are lower than adults. Their blood pressure is based on a child’s gender, age, and height. This means that what is considered normal or high blood pressure changes as your child grows.
Causes TOPBlood pressure can be split into 2 categories:
Risk Factors TOPRisk factors can vary depending on the type of high blood pressure, for example:
Symptoms TOPHigh blood pressure usually does not cause any symptoms. In some cases, though, your child may:
Diagnosis TOPYour child’s blood pressure is measured at least once per year after your child turns 3 years of age. An arm cuff and a special device are used to take the reading. The doctor then uses a chart to find which percentile your child is in. This chart is based on your child’s gender, age, and height. If a reading suggests high blood pressure, your child’s blood pressure will be measured several more times, including one taken at home. This is done in part to eliminate something called "white coat syndrome." Some children can feel very anxious when seeing the doctor. This can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. The average reading will be used to make the diagnosis. To find out if your child has an underlying condition, the doctor will ask about your child’s medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may also order tests, such as:
The doctor may also check for other related conditions, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or other endocrine diseases. Treatment TOPThe doctor will work with you and your child to create a treatment plan. If your child has an underlying condition, this will be treated. Treating the underlying condition may help the high blood pressure return to normal. Other treatment may focus on making lifestyle changes, such as:
If your child’s blood pressure is not improving after trying these lifestyle changes, the doctor may consider prescribing medicine, such as:
It is important to properly treat high blood pressure to prevent complications in adulthood, such as:
Prevention TOPTake these steps to help prevent your child from developing high blood pressure:
RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Blood pressure levels for boys by age and height percentile. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at:
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. Updated November 20, 2017. Accessed December 21, 2017.
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. Updated February 12, 2013. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Schub T, Uribe L. Evidence-based care sheet: hypertension in children and adolescents. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) May 13, 2016. Accessed December 21, 2017. Screening and treating kids for high blood pressure: AAP report explained. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 21, 2017. Accessed December 21, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 7/13/2012 |
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