Can Children Have High Blood Pressure?

-Mantasha

Yes, children can also have high blood pressure. While it's less common than in adults, it's important to be aware of the signs and risk factors.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Here's a breakdown of key points about high blood pressure in children:

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Healthy blood pressure levels vary depending on a child's age, sex, and height. Doctors use charts to determine what's considered normal for a specific child.

Normal Ranges

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

High blood pressure in children is usually diagnosed when readings are consistently above the normal range for their age, sex, and height, typically over multiple visits.

Diagnosis

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In some cases, the cause of high blood pressure in children is unknown (primary hypertension).

Primary Hypertension

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Often, high blood pressure in children is a symptom of another underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, obesity, or certain hormonal disorders.

Secondary Hypertension

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Children with a family history of high blood pressure are at a higher risk.

Family History

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Diet high in sodium and low in fruits and vegetables, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese can increase the risk.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

High blood pressure in children often doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. In some cases, there might be headaches, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing.

Symptoms

Photo Credit: Shutterstock