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.
