What Is Considered High Blood Pressure in a Child?

Although hypertension was once thought of as an adult concern, more and more children are being diagnosed as having hypertension. Treating hypertension early can help prevent future complications.

Considerations

• According to the American Heart Association, normal adolescent blood pressure varies according to a child's gender, size and age. A physician can use tables created by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to determine how a child's blood pressure reading compares with that of other children of the same gender, age and height. If a child's blood pressure reading is 90% greater than that of others, then his blood pressure is considered to be high.

Identification

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child's blood pressure be checked at least once per year begining at age 3 years.

Significance

• Hypertension is much more common in adults, but it does occur in children. It may be the result of obesity or of an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders and heart disease.

Warning

• Hypertension in children should be taken seriously and should be treated as recommended by a physician. Left untreated, hypertension can lead to eye damage, strokes, heart disease and kidney failure.

Treatment

• Adolescent hypertension may initially be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. If necessary, medications may be used to control adolescent hypertension.