Hypertension by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free
As parents, we often worry about our children's health and well-being, from ensuring they eat healthy foods to getting the best medical attention that we can afford whenever they are ill. But have you ever considered their blood pressure?
While hypertension is often thought of as a condition that affects adults, it can also impact children and adolescents, and its prevalence is on the rise.
How common is hypertension in children?
Although less common than in adults, hypertension in children is increasingly recognized as a significant health issue.
It can result from underlying conditions, such as kidney disease or heart abnormalities, or develop as primary hypertension, often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Increased rates of childhood obesity have contributed to a rise in hypertension among children.
A review of studies on hypertension in Africa finds that about 7% of African children are hypertensive and that the number is rising due to an increase in the number of children who are overweight or obese.
Types of hypertension in children
Hypertension could be primary or secondary.
Primary hypertension, or essential hypertension, is a condition of high blood pressure in which the cause is unknown. Primary hypertension runs in families and is the most common type of hypertension in children.
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure with a known cause, such as renal disease, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.
What are the causes of hypertension in children?
There are many genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors responsible for hypertension in children. They include:
- Having a hypertensive parent
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea
- Medications, including NSAIDs, steroids, and over-the-counter cold remedies
Signs and symptoms of hypertension in children?
Here are some signs that may suggest your child has hypertension:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in urine
It is important to note that many children with hypertension do not experience any symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and treatment.
How can you know if your child has hypertension?
Diagnosing hypertension in children requires multiple blood pressure measurements taken over time and a thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, family history, and physical exam.
The diagnostic criteria for hypertension in children use average blood pressure values for age, sex, and height. The doctor must measure a child’s blood pressure multiple times to establish a diagnosis of hypertension.
Management of hypertension in children
Management depends on the severity of the condition, the age of the child, and any underlying medical conditions. It also involves several approaches:
- Lifestyle changes
Adjusting a child’s diet and exercise habits is key. Reducing their sodium intake, increasing fruits and vegetables, encouraging regular physical activity, and helping them manage weight are essential to controlling blood pressure. These changes are often the first step in treating primary hypertension.
- Medications
If lifestyle changes are not enough, a child will need medications. Blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers, are commonly used. Medication use depends on the child’s age, the severity of the hypertension, and individual health needs.
- Treatment of underlying conditions
For secondary hypertension, managing the root cause, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders, is essential. Treating these underlying conditions helps to control high blood pressure and prevent complications like organ damage or stroke in the long term.
- Specialist care
A doctor should always supervise paediatric hypertension management, preferably a specialist such as a paediatrician or paediatric cardiologist. A specialist will ensure treatment is tailored to the child’s condition and adjusted for optimal care.
How to protect your child from having hypertension
- Encourage kids to have a salt- and fibre-free, fruit- and vegetable-rich, well-balanced diet. Avoid consuming processed and packaged foods that are heavy in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. Instead of noodles, biscuits, chips, and fries, try fruits, nuts, dairy, milk, and whole grain meals.
- Set aside at least an hour each day for kids to play or move about. Outdoor games, sports, dancing, and other physical pursuits fall into this category.
- Regular blood pressure checks at well-child visits can help detect hypertension early on and enable early intervention. Get a home blood pressure monitor and then take the child to the hospital for regular checks.
- Limit the time children spend on screens and encourage other activities that promote physical activity and social interaction.
- Encourage children to develop healthy coping mechanisms such as meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
Hypertension affects children and adults, and they have similar prevention strategies. By encouraging good practices from a young age, you can reduce your child's risk of hypertension and improve their general health and well-being.
