Hypertension Can Be Developed During Childhood

Hypertension is considered as a condition that usually affects the adults, but as the individual ages, the prevalence of developing this disease even increase. This means that the likelihood of having a hypertension is more common in the older adult populace. And many of these adults have not known about their hypertension until they have consulted a physician or experienced the symptoms. But, the trend is changing now, because children can also be affected with hypertension. As a matter of fact, many adults are unaware how they have developed hypertension, making it hard for the medical community to detect the root of the problem. It is therefore important to identify if hypertension is present at an early age so that it can be managed and treated appropriately.

Hypertension in Children Can Have Serious Long-Term Effects

Similar to adults, children who have hypertension can also develop problems in their health including kidney diseases, heart diseases and even diabetes. Keep in mind that when a person has a high blood pressure, this means that the heart has a heavier workload than it normally should. As the heart pumps harder, it can cause more strain to the blood vessels. If these continue until adulthood, the arteries and the heart itself may no longer function normally, putting other organs at risk, most especially the lungs, the brain and the kidneys.

Although hypertension in children does not always come with notable symptoms, it can put them at higher risk for more devastating conditions like stroke, kidney failure, atherosclerosis and permanent loss of vision.

Obesity is a Contributing Factor to Hypertension in Children

The exact cause of hypertension in children is yet to be identified, because one case may differ from another. For instance, an infant may develop hypertension, but it is likely because of congenital problems. However, the most important contributing factor for hypertension in children starts during school age; problems with weight control and management is very common. To be more specific, obesity is a risk factor for hypertension in school-age children.

Helpful Tips for Parents

• Physical check-up is necessary for children to determine if their weight and blood pressure readings are within the normal ranges. Regular consultation with a pediatrician is also helpful to know if hypertension is caused by other underlying disease conditions apart from the risk factors.
• Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise and sports, is important for those children who are fond of sedentary kind of life.
• As in adults, healthy diet is also necessary, such as decrease in sodium intake and foods high in fats and cholesterol, as well as increase in vegetables, fruits and foods high in fiber.

Related Video on Children Hypertension:

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neCtqzFIMV8″ width=”220″]

Sources:

“High Blood Pressure in Children.” Web MD. Retrieved online on August 14, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-in-children

“High Blood Pressure in Children.” American Heart Association. Retrieved online on August 14, 2014 from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/UnderstandYourRiskforHighBloodPressure/High-Blood-Pressure-in-Children_UCM_301868_Article.jsp