Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects about 1 in 25 US youth, ages 12-19, according to recent CDC statistics. This is about 1.3 million teens. The rate has been rising in the past two decades, along with the rising obesity rate. Another 1 in 10 youth have elevated blood pressure or prehypertension. Hypertension is more common in males and in children with obesity.
Young patient having their blood pressure taken at the doctor's office.
Why does this matter?
Children with high blood pressure are at greater risk for additional health problems as they get older. Hypertension makes the heart work harder against a higher pressure, leading to heart disease later.
Health problems include:
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Vascular disease
Eye disease
What causes hypertension?
Certain conditions increase the risk of hypertension in children, including
Obesity
Kidney disease
High salt intake
Congenital heart disease
Genetic causes (positive family history)
Some medications, like birth control pills
Some hormonal problems, such as hyperthyroidism
Obstructive sleep apnea
Illegal drugs and supplements
Some over-the-counter supplements, especially those with caffeine or stimulants
Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)
Lack of physical exercise
Smoking and vaping, including secondhand smoke
Two young woman vaping. Smoking and vaping increase the risk for hypertension.
How do I know if my child’s blood pressure is elevated?
A child is not likely to have symptoms unless their pressure is very high. The only way to know is to have it checked, usually multiple times, with a measurement. This is easily done at your doctor’s office. If it measures high at the start of the visit, have them check again at the end since children can be nervous about going to the doctor.
Blood and urine tests will be done to check kidney function and lipid levels for consistently high measurements.
How can it be prevented?
Picture of a rubber heart, stethoscope, blood pressure measuring device, and a salt shaker. High blood pressure affects the heart and too much salt can increase blood pressure.
There are several steps a parent can take.
Take your child for regular well visits and have the blood pressure checked each time.
Ensure your child gets plenty of physical activity, about an hour daily.
Help your child maintain a healthy weight by providing nutritious meals with lots of vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.
Limit salt intake by limiting fast and ultra-processed foods, rinsing canned items, and cooking with herbs and spices instead of added salt.
Reduce sugar intake by limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods.
If your child snores, have them evaluated.
Limit caffeine intake.
Protect your child from cigarette smoke and discuss the dangers of smoking and vaping.
A no smoking sign. Talk to your child about not smoking or vaping and avoiding secondhand smoke.
Although some causes of hypertension are beyond your control, many cases are avoided with lifestyle changes. The best approach is awareness and prevention.
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