High Blood Pressure in Children

Definition

Blood pressure is the force of blood on the blood vessel walls. High blood pressure is when the force is higher than normal. It is measured as two numbers:

• Top number—the pressure when heart is squeezing
• Lower number—the pressure the heart is at rest

High blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels and certain organs. The damage gets worse over time. It can lead to a higher risk of heart and kidney disease or stroke in early adulthood.

Organs that Can Be Injured by High Blood Pressure.

High blood pressure can affect the body in many ways.

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Causes

The cause of high blood pressure will depend on the type:

• Essential (or primary)—The cause is not known.
• Secondary—Another illness is causing the problem.

Risk Factors

Things that may increase the risk of essential high blood pressure are:

• Obesity
• A diet high in salt
• Having other family members who have high blood pressure

Things that may increase the risk of secondary high blood pressure are:

• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Hyperlipidemia (a high level of fats in the blood)
• Kidney disease
• Vascular disease
• Endocrine disease
• Certain medicine (prescription and over the counter)
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Anxiety

Symptoms

High blood pressure will often not cause any symptoms. Some children may:

• Have a headache
• Feel dizzy
• Have vision problems
• Feel tired

Diagnosis

Normal blood pressure in children is different from adults. It will also vary by gender, age, and height. The range of normal blood pressure will change as the child grows.

Blood pressure is measured at least once per year after 3 years of age. A chart will show what a healthy blood pressure range is based on a child’s gender, age, and height. A high blood pressure needs to happen on more than one measurement to be diagnosed. The doctor may also ask that a measurement be done at home. This will rule out normal increased blood pressure due to anxiety at a doctor's office.

Other tests may be done to look for a cause.

Treatment

The treatment plan will be based on the cause. Treating related conditions may return blood pressure to normal. It is important to treat high blood pressure. It can prevent serious health issues in adulthood.

Steps that may treat essential high blood pressure or manage secondary high blood pressure are:

• A healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Salt may also need to be tracked or lowered.
• Weight loss for children who are overweight.
• Regular physical activity. This includes sport, play, and less screen time.

Some blood pressure may not be lowered by above changes. Medicine may then be needed. Types of blood pressure medicine are:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics

Prevention

Healthy habits can help prevent some types of high blood pressure:

• Eating a healthful diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular physical activity
• Limiting screen time