What is considered a normal blood pressure range for a 2-year-old child. How is high blood pressure diagnosed in young children. What are the potential causes and risks of hypertension in kids. How can parents help maintain healthy blood pressure levels in their children.

The Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring in Children

Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial aspect of pediatric health care that often goes overlooked. Many parents and caregivers assume that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an adult-only condition. However, recent studies have shown that this is far from the truth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that approximately 3.5% of children and adolescents have high blood pressure, a statistic that highlights the importance of regular screening and monitoring.

Dr. Alan Sing, a pediatric cardiologist at Pediatric Heart Specialists, explains the significance of blood pressure readings: “A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood against the walls of arteries. This pressure is what your heart has to pump against to get blood out to the rest of your body. If blood pressure is higher, then the heart has to work harder. Over time, this high blood pressure can cause damage to different organ systems in the body.”

Potential Complications of Untreated Hypertension in Children

• Heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• Vision loss

Given these serious potential complications, it’s clear that monitoring and managing blood pressure in children is of utmost importance.

Blood Pressure Screening Guidelines for Children

Regular blood pressure screenings are essential for identifying hypertension in children. The current guidelines recommend that children should have their blood pressure checked annually starting at age 3 during their well-child visits. However, for children with specific risk factors, more frequent checks may be necessary.

When Should Blood Pressure Be Checked More Frequently?

• Children with obesity
• Children with kidney disease
• Children who have had a high blood pressure reading at a previous visit

In these cases, blood pressure should be checked at every doctor’s visit to monitor trends and ensure timely intervention if needed.

Understanding Blood Pressure Measurements in Young Children

Determining what constitutes normal blood pressure in children, especially in young ones like 2-year-olds, is more complex than in adults. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all number that defines normal blood pressure for all children. Instead, pediatricians use percentile charts that take into account the child’s age, height, and gender.

How Is Blood Pressure Evaluated in Children Under 13?

For children under 13 years old, including 2-year-olds, blood pressure is evaluated using percentile charts. These charts compare a child’s blood pressure to that of peers of the same age, height, and gender. This method provides a more accurate assessment of whether a young child’s blood pressure is within a healthy range.

• Elevated blood pressure: Above the 90th percentile
• Hypertension: Above the 95th percentile

It’s important to note that a single high reading doesn’t necessarily indicate hypertension. Pediatricians look for trends over time to make an accurate diagnosis.

Blood Pressure Ranges for Teenagers and Adults

While younger children require percentile-based evaluation, teenagers aged 13 and above follow the same blood pressure guidelines as adults. Understanding these ranges can help parents and older children be more aware of their blood pressure health.

Blood Pressure Categories for Teens and Adults

• Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated blood pressure: Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
• Hypertension: Systolic or diastolic higher than 130/80 mm Hg

These standardized ranges make it easier for older children and teens to understand and monitor their own blood pressure health as they transition into adulthood.

Advanced Blood Pressure Monitoring Techniques

In cases where a child consistently shows high blood pressure readings, pediatricians may recommend more advanced monitoring techniques to get a comprehensive picture of the child’s blood pressure throughout the day.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

One such technique is the use of a 24-hour, portable blood pressure monitoring device, known as an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). This device is worn at home during the child’s normal daily activities and takes measurements at regular intervals:

• Every 20 to 30 minutes during daytime
• Every 30 to 60 minutes at night

The ABPM provides valuable data that helps pediatricians determine whether further tests or treatments are necessary. It offers a complete picture of blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day and night, which can be crucial in diagnosing and managing hypertension in children.

Recognizing Signs of High Blood Pressure in Children

One of the challenges in diagnosing hypertension in children is that it’s often a silent condition. Unlike many other health issues, high blood pressure typically doesn’t present with obvious symptoms that parents can easily recognize. This is why regular screenings during well-child visits are so crucial.

However, in some cases, children with high blood pressure may experience certain symptoms. While these symptoms aren’t definitive indicators of hypertension, they should prompt parents to consult with their pediatrician.

Potential Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Children

• Frequent headaches
• Changes in vision
• Dizziness

If your child complains of these symptoms, especially if they occur frequently or persistently, it’s important to bring this to the attention of your pediatrician. They can then conduct appropriate tests to determine if high blood pressure might be the underlying cause.

Causes of High Blood Pressure in Children

Understanding the potential causes of high blood pressure in children is crucial for both prevention and management. It’s important to note that a single high blood pressure reading doesn’t necessarily indicate a chronic condition. Various factors can temporarily elevate a child’s blood pressure during a measurement.

Factors That Can Cause Temporary Elevations in Blood Pressure

• Stress or anxiety (particularly about being at the doctor’s office)
• Recent physical activity
• Acute illness

However, when high blood pressure readings persist over time, it’s important to consider potential underlying causes. These causes can be broadly categorized into two types: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is high blood pressure that doesn’t have a known underlying medical cause. This type of hypertension is more common in older children and teenagers. Factors that can contribute to primary hypertension include:

• Obesity or being overweight
• High-sodium diet (excessive salt intake)
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of hypertension

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition. This type is more common in younger children, including 2-year-olds. Some conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include:

• Kidney disease
• Congenital or acquired heart disease
• Thyroid or adrenal disorders
• Certain genetic disorders

Understanding these potential causes can help parents and healthcare providers take appropriate steps to manage and treat high blood pressure in children.

Managing and Preventing High Blood Pressure in Children

While the diagnosis of high blood pressure in children can be concerning, there are many steps that parents and caregivers can take to manage and even prevent this condition. A combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels in children.

Lifestyle Modifications for Healthy Blood Pressure

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure in children. Encouraging a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help children maintain a healthy weight.
2. Promote a balanced diet: Reduce sodium intake and increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
3. Encourage regular physical activity: Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.
4. Limit screen time: Excessive screen time is often associated with sedentary behavior and unhealthy snacking.
5. Ensure adequate sleep: Poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure. Establish consistent bedtime routines and ensure your child gets enough sleep for their age.

Medical Management of Pediatric Hypertension

In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone may not be sufficient to manage high blood pressure in children. When this occurs, medical interventions may be necessary. These can include:

• Medications: Various types of blood pressure medications can be prescribed for children, depending on the underlying cause and severity of hypertension.
• Treatment of underlying conditions: For secondary hypertension, treating the underlying medical condition often helps in managing blood pressure.
• Regular monitoring: Frequent blood pressure checks and possibly home monitoring may be recommended to track progress and adjust treatment as needed.

It’s crucial to work closely with your child’s healthcare provider to develop an appropriate management plan tailored to your child’s specific needs and circumstances.

The Role of Parents in Managing Children’s Blood Pressure

Parents play a crucial role in managing and preventing high blood pressure in children. By being proactive and informed, parents can significantly impact their child’s cardiovascular health.

Key Responsibilities for Parents

• Ensure regular check-ups: Don’t skip annual well-child visits where blood pressure screenings are performed.
• Be aware of risk factors: Understand if your child has any conditions or family history that increase their risk of hypertension.
• Promote healthy habits: Set a good example by adopting healthy lifestyle choices as a family.
• Monitor symptoms: Be vigilant about potential signs of high blood pressure and report any concerns to your pediatrician.
• Follow treatment plans: If your child is diagnosed with hypertension, adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by their healthcare provider.

By taking an active role in their child’s cardiovascular health, parents can help prevent the development of high blood pressure or manage it effectively if it does occur.

The Future of Pediatric Hypertension Management

As our understanding of pediatric hypertension continues to evolve, so too do the strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, and management. Ongoing research is shedding light on new approaches that may improve outcomes for children with high blood pressure.

Emerging Trends in Pediatric Hypertension Care

• Improved screening tools: Development of more accurate and age-specific blood pressure measurement devices for children.
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatment plans based on a child’s genetic profile and specific risk factors.
• Technology integration: Use of mobile apps and wearable devices to monitor blood pressure and promote healthy behaviors.
• Early intervention programs: Implementation of school-based and community programs to promote cardiovascular health from an early age.

These advancements hold promise for better management of pediatric hypertension and improved long-term health outcomes for children diagnosed with high blood pressure.

In conclusion, understanding and managing blood pressure in children, including 2-year-olds, is a critical aspect of pediatric health care. While the concept of hypertension in young children may seem surprising to many parents, awareness and early intervention can prevent serious complications later in life. Regular screenings, lifestyle modifications, and when necessary, medical interventions, can help ensure that children maintain healthy blood pressure levels as they grow and develop. By staying informed and proactive, parents and healthcare providers can work together to protect children’s cardiovascular health and set the stage for a lifetime of well-being.

High Blood Pressure in Kids – Children’s Health

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You may think that hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects only adults. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an estimated 3.5% of children and teens have high blood pressure. When left untreated, this condition can cause serious complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, stroke and vision loss.

“A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood against the walls of arteries. This pressure is what your heart has to pump against to get blood out to the rest of your body,” explains Alan Sing, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist at Pediatric Heart Specialists, a Children’s Health℠ Care Network Partner. “If blood pressure is higher, then the heart has to work harder. Over time, this high blood pressure can cause damage to different organ systems in the body.”

However, regular screenings can help identify high blood pressure in children. Learn more about what is considered high blood pressure for a child and ways you can help keep your child healthy.

How is a child’s blood pressure checked?

A child’s blood pressure should be checked once a year at their annual exam starting at the age of 3. Your child should sit comfortably in a chair with their feet supported and their arm level with their heart. Your child’s physician or nurse will use a stethoscope and a hand-inflated arm cuff to check their blood pressure.

If a child has a health condition that increases their risk for high blood pressure, such as obesity or kidney disease, their blood pressure will be checked at every doctor visit. If a child’s blood pressure is high at a well-child visit, their blood pressure will also be checked more frequently.

Your child’s pediatrician will track trends in blood pressure over time, not just the initial screening, to accurately identify a diagnosis of hypertension.

What is a normal blood pressure for a child?

There isn’t one single number or blood pressure that is considered normal for all children. A healthy blood pressure for a child depends on their age, height and gender.

For children under the age of 13, your pediatrician will use a percentile chart to compare your child’s blood pressure to peers of the same age, height and gender. This allows a more precise indication if a young child is showing high blood pressure. A child is considered to have an elevated blood pressure if their blood pressure falls above the 90th percentile, and hypertension if they are above the 95th percentile.

Over the age of 13, normal blood pressure ranges are the same for teenagers as they are for adults:

• Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated blood pressure: Systolic (top number) between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80 mm Hg
• Hypertension: Top or bottom number higher than 130/80 mm Hg

If your child’s pediatrician notices a trend of high blood pressure readings, they will closely monitor your child’s blood pressure or refer you to a specialist to address any health concerns. They may have your child wear a 24-hour, portable blood pressure monitoring device (called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor or ABPM). This can be worn at home during your child’s normal routine and takes measurements every 20 to 30 minutes during the daytime and 30 to 60 minutes at night.

This monitor can help your child’s pediatrician decide whether your child needs further tests or treatment by giving a complete picture of blood pressure throughout the day and night.

What are signs of high blood pressure in kids?

Hypertension is often a silent condition. Typically, there aren’t obvious symptoms to let parents know their child has high blood pressure; it is often diagnosed when the doctor discovers it during an exam. This is why regular blood pressure screening is so important.

Some children with high blood pressure may experience frequent headaches, changes in vision or dizziness. If your child complains of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician.

What are causes of high blood pressure in kids?

A child’s blood pressure might be high when it is measured for many reasons, such as stress, illness, recent physical activity, a true hypertension issue or a medical condition.

Causes of high blood pressure in kids can include:

• Obesity or being overweight
• High-sodium diet (too much salt)
• Kidney disease
• Congenital or acquired heart disease
• Thyroid or adrenal disease
• Diabetes
• Genetic disorders (inherited from a parent or grandparent)
• Stress

When a young child (under 6) has high blood pressure, the cause is often a related medical condition, such as kidney disease. This is called secondary hypertension.

When high blood pressure has no disease-related cause, it’s called primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is more common in older children and teens and is commonly related to obesity or to a family history of hypertension.

“There is a growing trend in the number of children and teens who are overweight or have obesity, and this is a major cause of high blood pressure in kids,” says Smitha Vidi, M.D., a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s Health and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern. “Additionally, kids are eating a lot of processed foods, which have very high amounts of salt. A high-salt diet is a big contributor to increasing blood pressures.”

How is high blood pressure treated in children?

If your child is diagnosed with hypertension, your pediatrician may recommend certain lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise or weight loss.

• DASH diet: Designed from research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the DASH diet focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts, beans and seeds.
• Exercise: The AAP recommends children and adolescents get 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily (includes outside play and team sports).
• Low-sodium diet: Sodium is the scientific name for the salt in food. In addition to watching table salt usage, be cautious of how much processed food your child eats.

If needed, your child’s physician may prescribe medications to control blood pressure. These medicines are the same ones adults take, just in age and weight-appropriate doses. Your child’s physician can choose the best medication for your child based on their individual health profile and risk factors.

You can help your child prevent high blood pressure and complications. Talk about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and continue to be a good role model – making healthy food choices and engaging in exercise as a family.

“Taking steps as a family to stay healthy is key to preventing hypertension in children,” says Dr. Vidi. “Try to devote a little of your time each day to doing fun activities with your kids, such as biking, dancing, swimming or even walking to a nearby park. “

Learn more

No matter the reason behind a child having high blood pressure, Children’s Health can provide expert, multidisciplinary care. Learn more about hypertension in kids and how we can help.

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American Academy of Pediatrics, determinants of health, diet, heart health, hypertension, obesity, overweight, primary care

High blood pressure in infants: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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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.

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.

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

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)

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)

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

Untreated, high blood pressure may lead to:

• Heart or kidney failure
• Organ damage
• Seizures

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

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.

Hypertension – infants

• Umbilical catheter
• Coarctation of the aorta

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.

Updated 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.

What should be the blood pressure of a child? Children’s cardiologist of the State Children’s Clinical Hospital Elena Malancheva answers the questions

Implementation of the regional project

“Fight against cardiovascular diseases” continues in the republic. In the City Children’s Clinical Hospital, every year diseases of the circulatory system are detected for the first time in about 0.1-0.3% of children. Currently, more than 850 minor patients from 0 to 17 years old are under dispensary observation, which is 0.7% of the total attached population. Most often, children are diagnosed with heart and vascular defects, heart rhythm disturbances, high or low blood pressure.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension) also occurs in children, though not as often as in adults. As a rule, the disease is asymptomatic and is detected either by chance, during a routine examination, or when complaints appear. The pediatric cardiologist of the City Children’s Clinical Hospital Elena Malancheva will tell you in detail about this.

－ What is the age norm for blood pressure in children?

First of all, it should be noted that the upper pressure indicator, called systolic, is the pressure that occurs during the contraction phase of the heart muscle (systole). Lower, or diastolic, is the pressure that occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart muscle (diastole).

Systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure have their own minimum and maximum normal (physiological) values. They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Below is a table with indicators of normal blood pressure (BP) in children in different age periods.

－ What can be a reason to visit a doctor with a child ?

Blood pressure can vary depending on various factors. For example, in the morning, its indicators may be closer to the minimum normal limits, and increase during the day depending on the level of physical activity, the presence of stress factors, overwork, etc. If the numbers are within the physiological limits, then everything is in order, but if not, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

However, BP readings may be erroneous if the size of the rubber cuff does not match the size of the patient’s arm. For example, if a child uses an adult cuff, then the results are much lower.

－ What can cause abnormal blood pressure in children?

If we talk about lowering blood pressure, then it can be observed during or after colds, with physical and mental overload, living in highlands (meaning adaptation to the environment), vegetative vascular disorders.

The causes of high blood pressure in a child are much more numerous. There are whole groups of diseases in which arterial hypertension occurs. These are some pathologies of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system, kidneys and adrenal glands.

The most common causes of hypertension in children are obesity, hormonal dysfunction during adolescence, and autonomic vascular disorders.

Important! Parents should not forget that from about the age of 7, changes begin in a child’s life that can negatively affect blood pressure and health in general. Pressure at this age varies due to reduced physical activity, with the start of school and with a change in social circle, which is stressful.

Symptoms of elevated blood pressure: frequent headaches that are not relieved by classical anesthetics; headache worse on waking and after increased activity; discomfort in the region of the heart; lethargy, fatigue, the child is not too active even after a good rest; frequent nosebleeds; deteriorating vision; rapid heart rate.

Symptoms of low blood pressure: loss of strength, passivity, loss of interest not only in studies but also in play. The child often talks about a headache that is concentrated in the temple area, complains of nausea and loss of strength.

One of the important symptoms of low blood pressure is the lack of desire to eat. Later the fainting starts. Consciousness after fainting, as a rule, is restored without medical help, but sometimes urgent intervention is not enough.

Parents often confuse symptoms with overwork at school.

－ What should parents do to prevent hypertension?

It is necessary to monitor the daily routine, including ensuring that the child has a good night’s rest. Regular, but moderate physical activity is important – it is enough to attend sports classes several times a week or do short morning exercises.

To strengthen the cardiovascular system, water procedures in warm water or under a contrast shower are relevant. Mandatory walks in the fresh air – at least two hours daily.

Parents need to control the amount of food consumed by the child – excess weight is one of the factors of high blood pressure. It is necessary to exclude harmful foods from the diet and control the amount of salt added to dishes.

It is also important to monitor the condition of the teeth – even incipient caries can cause changes in blood pressure.

I would also like to especially address parents of older children and teenagers. I strongly recommend limiting TV and phone viewing, especially 2 hours before bedtime; reduce headphone usage time. In addition, categorically exclude the use of energy drinks.

－ Which doctor should I contact if my child’s blood pressure changes?

First of all, you need to consult a pediatrician. Already at this stage, he can prescribe a detailed study, according to the results of which, if necessary, he will refer to narrow specialists: a cardiologist, neurologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist.

Be healthy!

Blood pressure in a child: norm and pathology

Speaking of high blood pressure, we usually imagine a middle-aged or elderly person with hypertension.

Speaking of high blood pressure, we usually imagine a middle-aged or elderly person with hypertension.

However, pressure problems can also occur in childhood. We are talking about this today with the neurologist of LLC “Expert Tula Clinic” Sycheva Anna Georgievna.

－ Anna Georgievna, first of all, I would like to know what is upper and lower blood pressure?

Upper pressure, called systolic in medical practice, is the pressure that occurs during the contraction phase of the heart muscle (systole). Lower, or diastolic, is the pressure that occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart muscle (diastole).

－ What are the age norms for blood pressure in children?

Like many indicators in the human body, systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure has its own minimum and maximum normal values. They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

For example, in newborns, the norm indicators are:

– minimum systolic – 60 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 40 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 90 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 50 mm Hg.

By the age of one month:

– minimum systolic – 80 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 40 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 96 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 60 mm Hg.

By year:

– minimum systolic – 90 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 50 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 112 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 74 mm Hg.

After a year and up to 10-12 years, normal pressure does not change significantly.

By the age of 10-12 there are such normal indicators:

– minimum systolic – 110 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 70 mmHg

– maximum systolic – 126 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 82 mm Hg.

At 13-15 years old:

– minimum systolic – 110 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 70 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 136 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 86 mm Hg.

－ When can blood pressure changes in children be considered normal, and when should you see a doctor?

It may vary depending on various factors. For example, in the morning, its indicators may be closer to the minimum normal (physiological) limits, and increase during the day depending on the level of physical activity, the presence of stress factors, overwork, etc. If the numbers are within the physiological limits, then everything is in order, but if not, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

－ Tell me, what can cause abnormalities in blood pressure in children?

If we talk about its decrease, which develops not due to blood loss (for example, with injuries and other acute serious conditions), then it can be observed during or after colds, with physical and mental overload, living in highlands ( is an adaptation to the environment), autonomic vascular disorders.

The reasons for high blood pressure in a child are much more numerous. There are whole groups of diseases in which arterial hypertension occurs. These are some pathologies of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system, kidneys and adrenal glands.

The most common causes of hypertension in children are obesity, hormonal dysfunction during adolescence, and autonomic vascular disorders.

－ What are the symptoms of high and low blood pressure in children?

We will not consider signs of hypotension during blood loss. In other cases, among the main manifestations: headache, dizziness, increased fatigue, decreased performance.

Hypertension is no less common in children, especially in adolescence, but its symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea), compared to adults, are mild. It is all the more important for parents to remember this, especially if there are predisposing factors or diagnosed diseases. Among them, for example, the load during sports, transitional adolescence, overweight, chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, etc. Such children should measure the pressure even in the complete absence of complaints on their part.

－ Please tell me how to measure the pressure of a child?

Optimum conditions must be met for testing. First, the room must be quiet; secondly, it is better if the child sits steadily on a chair, his legs are not crossed. For children under two years of age, the procedure is performed lying down. And finally, the child’s hand should lie quietly on the table or side table, the cuff of the device should be at the level of the heart, the angle between the shoulder and forearm should be 90 degrees.

Children’s tonometer is used for measurement. Its cuff is superimposed on the region of the brachial artery, 2-3 cm above the elbow. The index finger of the hand should pass between the skin of the shoulder and the cuff. A phonendoscope is placed on the area of ​​the cubital fossa. After closing the valve of the device, air is pumped into the cuff until the pulse beats completely disappear in the phonendoscope and after that a little more (about 30 mm Hg). Then, by slightly opening the valve, the air is slowly released and the arrow of the device is monitored. The moment of the appearance of the first beat, the sound in the tonometer reflects the upper (systolic) pressure. Listening is performed until the sounds disappear completely – this moment shows the lower (diastolic) pressure.

Three full measurements are made, from which the measurement with the minimum values ​​is taken. An interval of at least 15 minutes is observed between measurements.

It is also acceptable to use semi-automatic digital blood pressure monitors, where the upper and lower digits are fixed automatically by the device. In any case, before measuring the pressure of a child, you must carefully read the instructions for its use.

－ What problems does abnormal blood pressure indicate in children?

Low blood pressure in a child may, first of all, indicate excessive physical and/or mental stress, disruption of the daily routine, overwork.

If the pressure is elevated, this may indicate both some temporary changes (for example, restructuring of the hormonal and autonomic nervous system), and the presence of diseases that we talked about earlier.

Exceeding the normal range is always a reason to see a doctor, especially for hypertension.

－ Is exercise good for children with hypotension and hypertension?

Sports load – the concept is quite extensive and it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. In general, there are no significant restrictions with hypotension, however, the load must be increased gradually and under the supervision of a specialist.

Hypertension is another matter. In case of diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, sports are limited, however, the physiotherapy doctor, depending on the specific diagnosis, can choose the appropriate set of physical exercises for the child. With excess body weight, vegetative vascular disorders, a wider range of sports activities are allowed in puberty – for example, walking, running, cycling, football, basketball.