Can children develop high blood pressure?

Al though it doesn’t seem too common for children develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, it is a possibility, even during infancy. It is necessary to prepare for situations like this because hypertension is a condition that affects a healthy lifestyle, and can even be fatal if not treated. In fact, the roots of hypertension as an adult can actually be during childhood. To confirm hypertension, you need to have at least two separate readings apart from the blood pressure reading taken on a regular doctor visit.

Blood pressure in children is measured in comparison with normal values based on age, sex, and height. As the child grows, the standard systolic pressure rises from about 90 in an infant to 130 in a teenager. If a child's blood pressure is higher than the normal range for his/her age group, this doesn't necessarily mean that he/she has hypertension. However, their blood pressure should be monitored to see if they have a prolonged elevated blood pressure level. If it stays higher than the normal range for his/her age group over several measurements, he/she may have hypertension. Hypertension in a newborn might indicate kidney disease or a congenital heart disease such as coarctation (constriction) of the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygenated blood ("red blood") to the body. This condition restricts blood flow to the lower parts of the body, causing blood pressure to increase above the coarctation, resulting in higher blood pressure in the upper part of the body compared with the lower part. Instances of sever coarctation can lead to heart failure, with symptoms of rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, and poor feeding. In less severe narrowing, the child may have no noticeable side effects except increased blood pressure. To prevent any damage to other blood vessels in the body, coarctation in infants is usually repaired through surgery.

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Healthy Living® Blood Pressure FAQ ö Are women more likely to develop hypertension? (complications with age/pregnancy) ö Are women more likely to develop 'white coat' hypertension? ö Blood Pressure Guidelines ö Can children develop high blood pressure? ö Can high blood pressure lead to bone weakening? ö Do I have to use my left wrist? ö Does hypertension increase chances for a stroke? ö How do I know I have High Blood Pressure? ö How does hypertension affect my chances of getting kidney disease? ö How is the wrist monitor positioned on my wrist? ö What causes high blood pressure? ö What factors contribute to high blood pressure? ö What if I get an ERROR reading? ö What is blood pressure? ö What is considered Normal Blood Pressure? ö What is the risk of developing diabetes with hypertension? ö What position should I be in when taking a measurement? ö Why are my measurements higher at the doctor's office? ö Why does my blood pressure fluctuate? ö Why is it important to control my blood pressure? ö Why should I monitor my blood pressure at home?

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