When you think of high blood pressure or hypertension, you probably picture older adults worrying about their heart health. However, did you know that hypertension can also affect children and teens?
Hypertension is a silent threat that is becoming more common in young people. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 3.5% of all children and teens in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Developing hypertension in childhood is very concerning because the longer blood pressure remains high, the greater the risks to their hearts and blood vessels.
“Children with untreated hypertension have long-term risks such as left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, heart attacks, vision problems from retinopathy and premature death,” said Deepa Prasad, MD, a pediatric cardiologist with Banner Children’s.
Given these serious risks, parents play an important role in recognizing the signs and ensuring their children receive the necessary medical care. Read on to understand the causes and symptoms of hypertension in young people and what you can do to keep elevated blood pressure under control and your child’s heart healthy.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is when the blood pressure in the arteries remains too high. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.
Causes of hypertension in children and teens
There are two main types of hypertension: primary and secondary.
Primary (essential) hypertension
This type has no specific cause but is often linked to family history, lifestyle and diet.
“Primary hypertension is mostly related to a higher body mass index (BMI),” Dr. Prasad said. “Children with obesity are at a much greater risk for hypertension than children without obesity.”
In addition to being overweight and obese, other factors that contribute to primary hypertension include:
- Lack of exercise (physical activity)
- A family history of high blood pressure
- A diet high in salt and processed foods
- Having diabetes
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke
Secondary hypertension
This type is caused by another medical condition or certain medications. Conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension include kidney disease, heart defects and hormonal disorders.
Signs and symptoms of hypertension in young people
Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms. However, some signs to watch out for include:
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your child’s health care provider right away.
How is high blood pressure in children diagnosed?
Regular check-ups or well-checks with your child’s provider are important. Blood pressure readings are a standard part of these visits.
Your child’s provider will measure their blood pressure with a cuff placed around the upper arm. It’s important for the cuff to be the right size to get an accurate reading. These readings consist of two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests between beats).
If your child’s blood pressure is higher than normal for their age, height and gender on three separate visits, they may be diagnosed with hypertension.
Treating and managing hypertension in children and adolescents
“There is good evidence from many studies that lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure and play an important role in managing hypertension,” Dr. Prasad said.
These lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. Limit foods high in sodium (salt), sugar and saturated fats.
- Physical activity: Make sure your child is getting moderate to vigorous regular exercise (aerobic training, strength training or a combination) at least three to five days a week for 60 minutes per session. This can include activities like biking, swimming and playing sports.
- Manage weight: Help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Family support: “Parents play an important role in managing hypertension and preventing long-term risks,” Dr. Prasad said. “You can be a role model for healthy habits and make it a family priority.”
You can help your child by:
- Limiting screen time: Encourage activities that don’t involve screens. More physical play means less time sitting.
- Managing stress: Stress can increase blood pressure. Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation with your child. Here are five ways you can help them overcome stress in their lives.
- Being a positive influence: Explain the importance of a healthy lifestyle in a way they understand, involve them in meal planning and celebrate your child’s efforts.
- Regularly monitoring their blood pressure: Home blood pressure monitoring can be a useful tool to help keep them on track. Check out this guide for taking blood pressure readings at home. Schedule regular check-ups with your child’s provider.
In some cases, children may need blood pressure medication.
“Children who require medication are those with a secondary cause, those who are symptomatic from their hypertension or those with a chronic condition like diabetes,” Dr. Prasad said. “It may also be recommended for children who continue to have hypertension after making lifestyle changes.”
Are there ways to prevent high blood pressure in children?
Like hypertension management, preventing hypertension starts with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s blood pressure in a healthy range:
- Balanced diet: Focus on healthy foods, limit processed foods, drink plenty of water and watch for hidden salt in foods. Get your child involved in grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking and making healthy snacks and meals.
- Active lifestyle: Make physical activity a regular part of your family’s routine. Find activities they enjoy.
- Healthy weight: Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Regular check-ups: Keep up with regular check-ups and discuss any concerns with your child’s provider.
Takeaway
Hypertension in children and teens is a growing concern, but it can be managed and even prevented with the right lifestyle changes and medical care.
Stay informed and proactive about your child’s heart health. Remember that regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise and emotional support are key to preventing high blood pressure.
If you have concerns about your child’s blood pressure, speak with their health care provider or a Banner Health specialist. Your child’s heart is in your hands, so help keep it beating strong.
