Normal blood pressure for 9 month old. Understanding High Blood Pressure in Infants: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
What are the normal blood pressure ranges for infants. How is high blood pressure diagnosed in babies. What causes hypertension in infants. What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in babies. How is infant hypertension treated.
Normal Blood Pressure Ranges for Infants
Blood pressure is a crucial indicator of an infant’s overall health. It’s important to understand what constitutes normal blood pressure for babies at different stages of development.
- Newborns: Average blood pressure is 64/41 mmHg
- 1 month to 2 years: Average blood pressure is 95/58 mmHg
It’s worth noting that these values can vary, and what’s considered normal may change as the baby grows. Pediatricians use specialized charts that take into account factors such as age, gender, and height to determine if an infant’s blood pressure is within a healthy range.
Defining High Blood Pressure in Infants
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently higher than normal. In infants, diagnosing hypertension can be challenging due to the natural variability in their blood pressure readings.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed in babies. Pediatricians typically use the following criteria:
- Multiple readings above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height
- Consistent elevations in blood pressure over several visits
- Consideration of underlying health conditions
It’s important to note that a single high reading doesn’t necessarily indicate hypertension. Factors such as stress, activity level, and even the method of measurement can influence blood pressure readings in infants.
Common Causes of Infant Hypertension
Understanding the underlying causes of high blood pressure in infants is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. What causes hypertension in infants. Several factors can contribute to elevated blood pressure in babies:
Congenital Heart and Kidney Conditions
Many cases of infant hypertension are linked to congenital conditions affecting the heart or kidneys. These may include:
- Coarctation of the aorta: A narrowing of the major artery from the heart
- Patent ductus arteriosus: A persistent opening between two major blood vessels of the heart
- Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the major blood vessel of the kidney
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A lung condition affecting premature infants
Complications from Medical Procedures
In some cases, medical interventions necessary for an infant’s care can lead to hypertension. For example, the use of an umbilical artery catheter in newborns can sometimes result in blood clots in kidney blood vessels, potentially causing high blood pressure.
Other Potential Causes
Additional factors that may contribute to infant hypertension include:
- Certain medications
- Exposure to illicit drugs, such as cocaine, during pregnancy
- Thyroid problems
- Inherited conditions
- Certain tumors
Recognizing Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Infants
Identifying high blood pressure in infants can be challenging, as many babies with hypertension don’t exhibit obvious symptoms. However, there are some signs that parents and healthcare providers should be aware of.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure in babies. While many infants may not show clear signs, potential indicators include:
- Failure to thrive or gain weight
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Pale or bluish skin
- Rapid breathing
In cases of severe hypertension, more pronounced symptoms may appear:
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be associated with various other conditions. Therefore, regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Procedures for Infant Hypertension
Accurately diagnosing high blood pressure in infants requires a comprehensive approach. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm hypertension and identify its underlying causes.
Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques
Measuring blood pressure in infants presents unique challenges. Specialized equipment and techniques are often necessary to obtain accurate readings. These may include:
- Oscillometric devices: Automated cuffs that detect blood flow oscillations
- Doppler ultrasonography: Used in conjunction with a manual cuff for more precise measurements
- Invasive arterial monitoring: In critical care settings for continuous blood pressure monitoring
Additional Diagnostic Tests
Once high blood pressure is suspected, further tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause and assess potential organ damage. These tests may include:
- Echocardiogram: To evaluate heart structure and function
- Renal ultrasound: To examine kidney structure and blood flow
- Blood and urine tests: To assess kidney function and hormone levels
- Chest X-ray: To evaluate lung condition and heart size
In some cases, more specialized tests such as angiography or nuclear medicine studies may be necessary to provide a comprehensive diagnosis.
Treatment Approaches for Infant Hypertension
Managing high blood pressure in infants requires a carefully tailored approach that addresses both the underlying cause and the elevated blood pressure itself.
How is infant hypertension treated. Treatment strategies typically involve a combination of the following:
Addressing Underlying Conditions
In many cases, treating the primary cause of hypertension can help normalize blood pressure. This may involve:
- Surgical interventions for congenital heart defects
- Medication adjustments if certain drugs are contributing to hypertension
- Management of kidney disorders
Pharmacological Interventions
When necessary, medications may be prescribed to help control blood pressure. Common classes of drugs used in infant hypertension include:
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
It’s crucial to note that medication dosages for infants are carefully calculated based on weight and individual factors. Close monitoring is essential to ensure effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.
Lifestyle Modifications
While lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing adult hypertension, their application in infants is limited. However, some considerations may include:
- Dietary adjustments, particularly in cases of kidney-related hypertension
- Ensuring adequate rest and minimizing stress
- Regular follow-ups and blood pressure monitoring
Long-term Prognosis and Management of Infant Hypertension
The long-term outlook for infants diagnosed with hypertension varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Understanding the potential long-term implications is crucial for parents and healthcare providers.
Potential Complications
If left untreated, infant hypertension can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage
- Developmental delays
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life
Ongoing Monitoring and Care
Long-term management of infant hypertension typically involves:
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Periodic assessment of organ function, particularly heart and kidneys
- Adjustments to treatment plans as the child grows
- Transition to adult hypertension care in adolescence
With proper management and close follow-up, many infants with hypertension can lead healthy lives. However, ongoing vigilance and adherence to treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.
Emerging Research and Future Directions in Infant Hypertension
The field of infant hypertension continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes. Several areas of focus are shaping the future of infant hypertension management:
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
Researchers are exploring new methods for more accurate and less invasive blood pressure measurement in infants. These include:
- Wearable devices for continuous monitoring
- Improved algorithms for interpreting oscillometric readings
- Novel imaging techniques for assessing vascular health
Targeted Therapies
Efforts are underway to develop more specific and effective treatments for infant hypertension, including:
- Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles
- Novel drug formulations designed specifically for pediatric use
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating underlying conditions
Long-term Impact Studies
Researchers are conducting longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of infant hypertension and early intervention. These studies aim to:
- Identify risk factors for persistent hypertension into adulthood
- Evaluate the impact of early treatment on cardiovascular health later in life
- Develop strategies for preventing hypertension-related complications
As research in this field progresses, it’s likely that our approach to diagnosing and managing infant hypertension will continue to evolve, leading to improved outcomes for affected children.
High blood pressure – infants Information | Mount Sinai
Hypertension – infants
High blood pressure (hypertension) is an increase in the force of blood against the arteries in the body. This article focuses on high blood pressure in infants.
An umbilical catheter is a long, soft plastic tube (usually made of silicone) that is placed in the umbilical cord either through the umbilical artery or umbilical vein to allow IV fluids and medications to be given over an extended period of time.
Coarctation of the aorta is a birth defect in which the aorta, the major artery from the heart, is narrowed. The narrowing results in high blood pressure before the point of coarctation and low blood pressure beyond the point of coarctation. Most commonly, coarctation is located so that there is high blood pressure in the upper body and arms and low blood pressure in the lower body and legs. Symptoms can include localized hypertension, cold feet or legs, decreased exercise performance, and heart failure.
Causes
Blood pressure measures how hard the heart is working, and how healthy the arteries are. There are two numbers in each blood pressure measurement:
- The first (top) number is the systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of blood released when the heart beats.
- The second (bottom) number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Blood pressure measurements are written this way: 120/80. One or both of these numbers can be too high.
Several factors affect blood pressure, including:
- Hormones
- The health of the heart and blood vessels
- The health of the kidneys
High blood pressure in infants may be due to kidney or heart disease that is present at birth (congenital). Common examples include:
- Coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the large blood vessel of the heart called the aorta)
- Patent ductus arteriosus (blood vessel between the aorta and pulmonary artery that should close after birth, but remains open)
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (lung condition that affects newborn babies who were either put on a breathing machine after birth or were born very early)
- Kidney disease involving the kidney tissue
- Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the major blood vessel of the kidney)
In newborn babies, high blood pressure is often caused by a blood clot in a kidney blood vessel, a complication of having an umbilical artery catheter.
Other causes of high blood pressure in infants may include:
- Certain medicines
- Exposure to illegal drugs such as cocaine
- Certain tumors
- Inherited conditions (problems that run in families)
- Thyroid problems
Blood pressure rises as the baby grows. The average blood pressure in a newborn is 64/41. The average blood pressure in a child 1 month through 2 years old is 95/58. It is normal for these numbers to vary.
Symptoms
Most babies with high blood pressure will not have symptoms. Instead, symptoms may be related to the condition causing the high blood pressure. These symptoms may include:
- Bluish skin
- Failure to grow and gain weight
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Pale skin (pallor)
- Rapid breathing
Symptoms that may appear if the baby has very high blood pressure include:
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
In most cases, the only sign of high blood pressure is the blood pressure measurement itself.
Signs of very high blood pressure include:
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Rapid pulse
Blood pressure in infants is measured with an automatic device.
If coarctation of the aorta is the cause, there may be decreased pulses or blood pressure in the legs. A click may be heard if a bicuspid aortic valve occurs with the coarctation.
Other tests in infants with high blood pressure will try to find the cause of the problem. Such tests may include:
- Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests
- X-rays of the chest or abdomen
- Ultrasounds, including an ultrasound of the working heart (echocardiogram) and of the kidneys
- MRI of the blood vessels
- A special type of x-ray that uses a dye to look at blood vessels (angiography)
Treatment
The treatment depends on the cause of high blood pressure in the infant.
Treatment can include:
- Dialysis to treat kidney failure
- Medicines to lower blood pressure or help the heart pump better
- Surgery (including transplantation surgery or repair of the coarctation)
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well the baby does depends on the cause of high blood pressure and other factors such as:
- Other health problems in the baby
- Whether damage (such as kidney damage) has occurred as a result of the high blood pressure
Possible Complications
Untreated, high blood pressure may lead to:
- Heart or kidney failure
- Organ damage
- Seizures
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if your baby:
- Fails to grow and gain weight
- Has bluish skin
- Has frequent urinary tract infections
- Seems irritable
- Tires easily
Take your baby to the emergency department if your baby:
- Has seizures
- Is not responding
- Is vomiting constantly
Prevention
Some causes of high blood pressure run in families.
Talk to your provider before you get pregnant if either parent has a family history of:
- Congenital heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
Also talk to your provider before becoming pregnant if you take medicine for a health problem. Exposure to certain drugs in the womb may increase your baby’s risk for developing problems that can lead to high blood pressure.
Flynn JT. Neonatal hypertension. In: Gleason CA, Juul SE, eds. Avery’s Diseases of the Newborn. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 93.
Macumber IR, Flynn JT. Systemic hypertension. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 472.
Sinha MD, Reid C.
Systemic hypertension. In: Wernovsky G, Anderson RH, Kumar K, et al, eds. Anderson’s Pediatric Cardiology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 60.
Last reviewed on: 6/7/2022
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Normal Vital Signs
Normal Vital Signs
Pediatric Vital Sign Normal
Ranges
Age Group
| Respiratory
| Heart Rate | Systolic
| Weight
| Weight
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 30 – 50 | 120 – 160 | 50 – 70 | 2 – 3 | 4. 5 – 7 |
| Infant (1-12 months) | 20 – 30 | 80 – 140 | 70 – 100 | 4 – 10 | 9 – 22 |
| Toddler (1-3 yrs.) | 20 – 30 | 80 – 130 | 80 – 110 | 10 – 14 | 22 – 31 |
| Preschooler (3-5 yrs.) | 20 – 30 | 80 – 120 | 80 – 110 | 14 – 18 | 31 – 40 |
| School Age (6-12 yrs.) | 20 – 30 | 70 – 110 | 80 – 120 | 20 – 42 | 41 – 92 |
Adolescent (13+ yrs. ) | 12 – 20 | 55 – 105 | 110 – 120 | >50 | >110 |
REMEMBER:
- The patient’s normal range should
always be taken into consideration. - Heart rate, BP & respiratory rate are
expected to increase during times of fever or stress. - Respiratory rate on infants should be
counted for a full 60 seconds. - In a clinically decompensating child, the
blood pressure will be the last to change. Just
because your pediatric patient’s BP is normal, don’t
assume that your patient is “stable”. - Bradycardia in children is an ominous
sign, usually a result of hypoxia. Act quickly, as this
child is extremely critical.
Act quickly, as this
What should be the pressure in a child
Contents
- Blood pressure in a child
- Normal blood pressure in a child
- Normal blood pressure by gender
- Formulas for calculating blood pressure in children
- The influence of various factors on indicators of arterial pressure
- How to measure a child’s blood pressure
- How to measure it
- When to measure blood pressure
- How to measure blood pressure
- Abnormal blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure is one of the most important parameters characterizing the functioning of the circulatory system.
Blood pressure is characterized by two indicators – upper and lower values.
The upper value is the systolic pressure, which determines the force with which the heart pushes blood into the arteries when it contracts.
The lower value is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure inside an artery when the heart is at rest.
That is, systolic pressure occurs during contraction of the heart muscle, and diastolic pressure during relaxation.
The difference between upper and lower blood pressure is called pulse pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Child blood pressure
Blood pressure in a child is much lower than that of an adult, this is due to the high elasticity of the vessels, the width of their lumen and the large size of the capillary network.
Both blood pressure indicators increase with age.
Reaching 110 – 120 / 60 – 70 mmHg with age. Art., blood pressure is maintained at this level for a long period of life.
Normal blood pressure in a child
| Age | Blood pressure (mmHg) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systolic | Diastolic | |||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Up to 2 weeks | 60 | 96 | 40 | 50 |
| 2-4 weeks | ||||
| 2 – 12 months | 90 | 112 | 50 | 74 |
| 2 – 3 years | 100 | 112 | 60 | 74 |
| 3-5 years | ||||
| 6 – 9 years | 100 | 122 | 60 | 78 |
| 10 – 12 years | 126 | 70 | 82 | |
| 13 – 15 years | 110 | 136 | 70 | 86 |
Normal blood pressure by gender
| Age, years | Systolic pressure | Diastolic pressure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | Girls | Boys | Girls | |
| 3 | 85. 96± 6.34 | 84.03± 7.17 | 46.45± 4.86 | 46, 47± 5.32 |
| 4 | 87.85± 7.57 | 87.14± 6.61 | 51.07± 5.21 | 48.91± 6.23 |
| 5 | 92.79± 7.59 | 92.45± 8.96 | 51.52± 7.20 | 51.37± 7.29 |
| 6 | 97.47± 6.15 | 95.81± 7.22 | 54.52± 6.24 | 53.37± 6.02 |
| 7 | 98.04± 8.20 | 95.90± 8.70 | 57.13± 8.20 | 56.40± 9.10 |
| 8 | 97.50± 9.60 | 95.80± 8.60 | 54.90± 10.10 | 56.50± 9.40 |
| 9 | 98, 80± 8.90 | 97.20± 10.40 | 58.20± 7.62 | 58.10± 8.84 |
| 10 | 99.50± 10.80 | 104, 30± 10.40 | 60.70± 8.80 | 62.30± 9.20 |
| 11 | 105.30± 8.09 | 105.90± 10.15 | 62, 90± 7.85 | 61. 70± 8.89 |
| 12 | 103.80± 9.35 | 106.40± 8.95 95 | 67.60 ± 7.20 | |
| 13 | 107.60± 11.07 | 110.20± 8.80 | 64.60± 7.56 | 66.20± 7.05 |
| 14 | 110, 40± 11.10 | 109.05± 10.80 | 60.80± 9.12 | 66.80± 8.88 |
in children
There are special formulas for calculating normal blood pressure in children of different ages.
Age: less than 1 year
Upper value: 76 + 2n (where n is the number of months).
Lower value: 2/3 to 1/2 of the maximum systolic pressure.
Age: older than
Upper value: 90 + 2n (where n is the number of years).
Lower value: 60 + n (where n is the number of years).
Influence of various factors on blood pressure indicators
The blood pressure level of a healthy child can fluctuate quite widely. Blood pressure is also not the same during the day and may depend on various factors, such as:
- psycho-emotional state;
- meteorological conditions;
- physical activity;
- atmospheric pressure;
- sleep;
- lament.
How to measure the pressure of a child
As a rule, the procedure for measuring the pressure of a child is carried out for preventive purposes or in case of detection of violations of the body.
What to measure
The electronic blood pressure monitor is the optimal device for measuring blood pressure. To measure the pressure with a tonometer in a child, it is recommended to purchase special children’s cuffs.
Recommended infant cuff size:
- for newborns – 3 cm;
- for one year olds – 5 cm;
- preschool children – 8 cm;
- adolescents from 12-14 years old – 10 or 11 cm.
The lower edge of the child’s cuff should be no more than 3 cm from the antecubital fossa.
When to measure blood pressure
It is best to carry out the procedure in the morning after the child has woken up or at rest after half an hour of rest.
How to measure pressure
The procedure for measuring pressure in a child under 1 year old is carried out in the supine position.
It is recommended to measure the child’s pressure at least 2 times with an interval of 2-3 minutes. A lower repeated measurement result will reflect the true readings.
Abnormal blood pressure
Significant deviations from the normal age-related blood pressure in a child may indicate a malfunction in the body and require a doctor’s consultation.
Normal blood pressure and heart rate in children
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- Main
- Normal blood pressure and heart rate in children
Hello! Tell me, please, what numbers of blood pressure and heart rate are considered normal in a child of 6.5 years? (Ekaterina)
ANSWER: Dear Ekaterina, the rate of blood pressure in children and heart rate in the attached tables.
Age | Blood pressure (mmHg) | |||
Systolic | Diastolic | |||
min | max | min | max | |
up to 2 weeks | 60 | 96 | 40 | 50 |
2-4 weeks | 80 | 112 | 40 | 74 |
2-12 months | 90 | 112 | 50 | 74 |
2-3 years | 100 | 112 | 60 | 74 |
3-5 years | 100 | 116 | 60 | 76 |
6-9 years old | 100 | 122 | 60 | 78 |
10-12 years old | 110 | 126 | 70 | 82 |
13-15 years old | 110 | 136 | 70 | 86 |
Heart rate HR (pulse) in children.
