High Blood Pressure in Children

 
Children, even babies, can have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that all children have yearly blood pressure measurements. Detecting high blood pressure early will improve a child's health.

Some diseases — usually heart or kidney disease — can cause high blood pressure in children. This is called secondary hypertension. If the disease is successfully treated, blood pressure usually returns to normal. Some medicines can cause high blood pressure, but when they're discontinued, blood pressure usually returns to normal.

At one time, doctors thought that most high blood pressure in children was secondary (caused by other disease). Now they know this isn't so. Some children have higher blood pressures for unknown reasons. These children are said to have primary or essential hypertension.

Research scientists don't know why some children have higher blood pressure than others. Children who are overweight usually have higher blood pressure. Some children inherit the tendency toward higher blood pressure from one or both parents. High blood pressure is more frequent and more severe in families of African Americans than in whites. The reasons aren't fully understood.

Assessing dietary and physical activity behaviors and modifications may be recommended by the doctor to lower high blood pressure in overweight children. The doctor may also prescribe medication if modifications to diet and physical activity behaviors don't bring the high blood pressure under control.

Cigarette smoking isn't directly related to high blood pressure, but youngsters who smoke should stop for a variety of health reasons. Smoking increases the overall risk for cardiovascular disease. Parents should set a good example by not smoking and help educate their children about the dangers of smoking.


WARNING: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS A SILENT KILLER!
(learn more here)

Check your blood pressure from the comfort of your own home.

Order A Blood Pressure Kit
Order A Digital Blood Pressure Kit



This information is from

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=214

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.