What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in children? What causes it? How can parents help prevent and manage this condition in their kids? Get the answers to these key questions and more.

Recognizing High Blood Pressure in Children

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that is often associated with adults, but it can also affect children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 781,000 children ages 12 to 17 have high blood pressure in the United States. This condition can put young people at risk of developing heart disease and stroke later in life if left unmanaged.

So, how can parents recognize if their child is experiencing high blood pressure? Dr. Geetha Raghuveer, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, explains that while it is recommended to measure a child’s blood pressure annually starting at age 3, this doesn’t always happen in practice. “In some younger children, it’s problematic because you need the proper-sized cuff or else the measurement will be off,” she says. “It’s not something younger kids enjoy. So, some doctors may not screen regularly.”

Causes of High Blood Pressure in Children

What can lead to high blood pressure in children? According to the experts, the most common cause is obesity. “With obesity on the rise, we do see quite a few kids with high blood pressure,” says Dr. Raghuveer. Other potential factors include kidney disease, heart abnormalities, and even sleep disorders or a history of premature birth.

While most children with hypertension don’t experience any obvious symptoms, some may report headaches, blurry vision, or even chest pain in rare cases. “The risks are over the long-term,” explains Dr. Sarah de Ferranti, director of preventive cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. “It’s hard on the kidneys and heart. The muscle of the heart gets thick. Over long periods of time, you could have damage to kidneys.”

Preventing and Managing High Blood Pressure in Children

The good news is that high blood pressure in children is often treatable through lifestyle changes. “For most kids, you can start with lifestyle changes,” says Dr. de Ferranti. “Lowering dietary salt intake and decreasing foods like breads and fast food can make a huge difference.”

Parents should encourage their children to adopt healthy habits, such as:

• Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Engaging in regular physical activity and aerobic exercise
• Limiting sodium intake by avoiding processed and fast foods

In rare cases, where lifestyle changes are not effective, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may recommend blood pressure-lowering medications. However, this is only necessary for about 1% of children with hypertension.

Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Screening

Given the potential long-term risks of high blood pressure in children, it’s crucial for parents to ensure their child’s blood pressure is measured regularly. “The most important reason it should be measured in children is to make sure you’re not missing any heart or kidney problems,” says Dr. Raghuveer. “Those can be quite asymptomatic.”

While it may be challenging to get accurate measurements in younger children, the effort is well worth it. Early detection and intervention can help prevent or manage high blood pressure and its associated health risks, setting children up for a healthier future.

Developing Lifelong Healthy Habits

Childhood is a critical time for developing healthy habits that can have a lasting impact. By encouraging their children to adopt a nutritious diet and regular physical activity, parents can not only help manage high blood pressure but also instill lifelong behaviors that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues down the line.

As Dr. de Ferranti notes, “Developing lifelong healthy habits in childhood may help avoid health risks in the future.” By taking proactive steps, parents can play a vital role in their children’s long-term cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

High blood pressure in children is a serious condition that, if left unmanaged, can lead to devastating long-term health consequences. However, with early detection, lifestyle interventions, and the development of healthy habits, parents can help their children overcome this challenge and set them up for a healthier future.