High blood pressure in children – symptoms & causes

Hypertension in children is defined as blood pressure greater than the 95th percentile for their age, gender and height. Children with blood pressure over 120/80 are at the risk of developing hypertension and need regular monitoring. In early years, the causes of hypertension in children are majorly some specific and identifiable medical conditions.

Understanding Childhood Hypertension

It is very important to recognise the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of hypertension in children. Awareness of associated complications, long-term effects and prevention strategies is also crucial.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension in children can often be mitigated by recognising its signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• seizures
• Chest pains
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosing Hypertension in Children

Children with hypertension should be regularly monitored by healthcare professionals. Key diagnostic methods include:

• Regular Screening: Blood pressure measurements during routine checkups.
• Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): 24-hour monitoring to confirm hypertension.
• Additional Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests to identify any underlying causes.

Treatment and Management Options

Regular monitoring and management are essential for children with hypertension. Treatment and management techniques include:

1. Lifestyle Changes
   • Follow a diet focused more on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while reducing salt and sugar intake.
   • Engage more in physical activity and reduce screen time.
   • Weight management through diet and exercise.
2. Medications
   • Timely intake of doctor prescribed medicines, including diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
3. Monitoring
   • Regular paediatric visits and blood pressure monitoring is must to maintain and adjust treatment for hypertension in children.

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Children with hypertension are likely to have high blood pressure as adults unless they get proper treatment at the right time. However, if untreated, hypertension in children can be significant and lead to serious health issues like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, vision loss, major effects on mental health, and social isolation.

Prevention Strategies

Hypertension in children can be prevented by making some significant changes to the child’s lifestyle, including its diet and general health from an early age. Blood pressure should be regularly monitored to detect and treat hypertension early.