High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the pressure of blood in the arteries is higher than it should be. While high blood pressure is often associated with adults, it can also affect children.

Childhood high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand the risks and take steps to prevent it.

What is Childhood High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number). Normal blood pressure for children and teenagers varies with age and height.

A blood pressure reading above the 90th percentile for a child’s age, gender, and height is considered elevated. A reading above the 95th percentile is considered high.

Causes of Childhood High Blood Pressure

There are several factors that can contribute to childhood high blood pressure:.

Obesity or being overweight
A family history of high blood pressure
Lack of physical activity
A diet high in salt and fat
Underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes

In some cases, childhood high blood pressure may have no obvious cause.

The Risks of Childhood High Blood Pressure

Childhood high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, both in the short-term and the long-term. Some of the risks associated with high blood pressure in children include:.

Heart disease and stroke: High blood pressure can damage the walls of the arteries and lead to the buildup of plaque, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney disease and even kidney failure.
Vision problems: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to vision problems and even blindness.
Cognitive problems: High blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, which can lead to cognitive problems and even dementia.
Bone density loss: High blood pressure can lead to the loss of bone density, which can increase the risk of fractures.

Preventing Childhood High Blood Pressure

There are several steps that parents and caregivers can take to prevent childhood high blood pressure:.

Encourage physical activity: Children should engage in at least one hour of physical activity each day. This can include structured activities, such as sports and exercise classes, as well as unstructured playtime.
Provide a healthy diet: Children should eat a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. They should avoid foods that are high in salt, fat, and sugar.
Maintain a healthy weight: Children who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for high blood pressure. Parents and caregivers should encourage a healthy weight by promoting a healthy diet and physical activity.
Manage stress: Children who experience stress may be at a higher risk for high blood pressure. Parents and caregivers can help children manage stress by providing a safe and supportive environment, promoting relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help if needed.
Regular blood pressure checks: Children should have their blood pressure checked regularly, starting at age three. This can help identify high blood pressure early and prevent long-term health problems.

Treating Childhood High Blood Pressure

If a child is diagnosed with high blood pressure, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to lower their blood pressure. Lifestyle changes can include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and stress management techniques.

If lifestyle changes alone are not effective, medication may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to serious health problems, both in children and adults.

Childhood high blood pressure can be prevented by promoting healthy habits, such as a healthy diet and physical activity, and regularly monitoring blood pressure. If a child is diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to work with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that can help lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk for long-term health problems.