High blood pressure in children: When the amount of pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels is excessive, it results in high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. A person with high blood pressure – the heart must pump more forcefully as blood is transported, the arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart – experience increased stress, the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes all can be harmed by high blood pressure over time. Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure can help with the long-term health of children.
In an interview with Zee English, Dr GR Kane, Consultant Cardiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim talks about ways parents can manage high blood pressure in children below 12 years Are.
How does high blood pressure affect children?
The force or pressure inside your blood vessels is measured by your blood pressure. The force is greater than normal, indicating high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. Pediatric hypertension is high blood pressure in children and adolescents.
Children above the age of 12 are more likely to have high blood pressure. Because a child’s heart and blood arteries are not properly supplying their organs with blood, high blood pressure can lead to organ damage over time. Their heart, kidney and eyes are some of the organs that can be damaged by this. As a result it is important to identify and treat pediatric hypertension as soon as possible.
High blood pressure in children: symptoms of high blood pressure
While severe forms of high blood pressure may have symptoms, most children with high blood pressure do not. During a routine exam, health care professionals usually find it when they measure a child’s blood pressure.
This is just one of many reasons why your child needs regular checkups with a doctor, especially if they have risk factors for high blood pressure.
What causes high blood pressure?
The term “hypertension” refers to the most prevalent type of excessive blood pressure. This indicates that high blood pressure has not been linked to any other medical problem. People who are overweight or obese and have a history of high blood pressure are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Children who are often worried, their blood pressure increases. Thus, blood pressure is often checked by health professionals at a few different visits. They then average those readings.
Blood pressure may be checked elsewhere, such as at home or by the school nurse, for children who display high blood pressure because they are concerned. A procedure known as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is sometimes used by doctors.
The child spends the whole day and night with a blood pressure monitor. Given that children tend to engage in their regular activities, such as sleeping, this information may be more valuable than blood pressure readings at the doctor’s office.
Tips Parents Should Know About High Blood Pressure in Kids
1. Understand the condition
Educate yourself about high blood pressure in children
2. Regular Monitoring
Monitor the child’s blood pressure regularly as advised by the doctor. This may include home blood pressure monitoring or periodic visits to the doctor’s office.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Help your child adopt a healthy lifestyle that promotes blood pressure control. Encourage regular physical activity, such as sports or other activities they enjoy. Promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods, sodium (salt), and sugary drinks.
4. Medication Management
If medication has been prescribed to manage your child’s high blood pressure, be sure it is taken as directed. Help your child understand the importance of following a prescribed regimen and support them in developing good medication management habits.
5. Regular follow-up appointments.
6. Emotional Support
Offer emotional support, reassure them, and address any worries or concerns they may have. Encourage open communication Involve the healthcare team: Work closely with your child’s healthcare team.
7. Promote a stress-free environment
Create a supportive and stress-free environment for your child at home.
8. Seek professional guidance
Follow the advice and recommendations of your child’s doctor. He will provide personalized guidance based on the child’s specific condition, medical history and overall health.