Childhood Hypertension: What Parents Should Know

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in adults, but it can also affect children. Childhood hypertension is a serious medical condition that can lead to health problems later in life, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

What causes childhood hypertension?

The exact cause of childhood hypertension is often unknown, but there are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the condition, including:

* Family history of high blood pressure

* Obesity

* Unhealthy diet

* Lack of physical activity

* Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes

What are the symptoms of childhood hypertension?

Childhood hypertension often does not have any symptoms, which is why it is important to have your child's blood pressure checked regularly. In some cases, children with hypertension may experience symptoms such as:

* Headaches

* Blurred vision

* Nosebleeds

* Fatigue

* Shortness of breath

* Dizziness

How is childhood hypertension diagnosed?

Childhood hypertension is diagnosed by measuring a child's blood pressure. A child's blood pressure is considered to be high if it is consistently above the 95th percentile for their age, sex, and height.

How is childhood hypertension treated?

The treatment for childhood hypertension depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

* Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise

* Medication to lower blood pressure

How can I prevent childhood hypertension?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent childhood hypertension, including:

* Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

* Limit your child's intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium

* Encourage your child to get regular exercise

* Help your child maintain a healthy weight

* Talk to your doctor about whether your child should have their blood pressure checked regularly