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Normal Blood Pressure Range for Teenagers

Blood pressure can seem like a negligible worry for teenagers, but even teenagers can develop hypertension and other problems associated with blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a sign of things to come for your child, and if caught early can minimize his risk for later health problems.

  1. A Normal Range

    • The normal range of blood pressure for teenagers is the same as that for adults, only slightly lower. A healthy adult will typically have a blood pressure of 120/80. Teenagers should have about the same with a typical range of 100/60 to 145/95. The younger the child is, the lower the pressure should be. Blood pressure over 120/80 should be checked by a doctor.

    Hypertension on the Rise

    • In 2004, researchers from Tulane University and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that teenage blood pressure has steadily been on the rise since 1988. The systolic pressure, or top number, has risen by 1-2 mm and the diastolic pressure, or lower number, has risen 3-4 mm. The researcher noted that the average blood pressure rate rose with the same momentum as the average obesity rate.

    Reasons for High Blood Pressure

    • Obesity is a common cause of high blood pressure in teenagers but it is not the only one. Stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet can cause hypertension. For some children, hypertension is simply in their genes.

    Complications

    • High blood pressure at a young age can be indicative of many troublesome health complications later. An increased blood pressure greatly increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), kidney failure, vision loss and diabetes are a few more of the later complications.

    Maintaining a Healthy Blood Pressure

    • Keep in mind that although your child may have had a high reading one time, this does not mean she has hypertension. Take many readings over time and rate the average with the standard. Have your doctor make a diagnosis.

      If your child does have hypertension, there are precautions you can help him take to get the pressure back to normal. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and weight (for his height), and de-stressing techniques will do wonders for blood pressure and overall health. Talk to your child about the risks of smoking and drinking, as these activities can greatly increase blood pressure.

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