High blood pressure isn’t an adult-only condition

It’s a scary thought, but high blood pressure isn’t just a health problem affecting adults. Children of all ages can have high blood pressure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 25 children aged 12-19 have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and 1 in 10 has prehypertension. That’s approximately 1.3 million children and teens across the country.

The good news is the incidence of high blood pressure among children and teens has decreased in recent years, but the danger remains. High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Children with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure are more likely to still have these same factors as an adult.

“Early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure are so important,” says Dr. Joan Hoffman, a pediatric cardiologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Your child’s doctor will assess their blood pressure using their sex, age and height to define the normal range of blood pressure. For children 13 and older, blood pressure ranges are the same as adults, with the goal of a normal blood pressure less than 120/80. If your doctor finds your child’s blood pressure to be high, they will outline a follow-up plan based on the reading. Your child may be referred to specialists in pediatric nephrology and cardiology.”

Dr. Hoffman says high blood pressure can arise from several risk factors, or it can be secondary hypertension, resulting from an underlying health condition. “All risk factors and possible causes of high blood pressure will be assessed by your child’s doctor. Treatment of high blood pressure involves modifying lifestyle factors, including diet, weight management, exercise and it may also include medication therapy.”

She reminds parents there are steps they can take to lower their child’s risk of developing high blood pressure:

• Help your child eat a well-rounded diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Keep foods low in sugar and sodium in your home, and be sure to model healthy eating choices. Avoid processed foods/fast foods as these are high in sodium.
• Make mealtime a family affair whenever possible. Besides sitting down to eat together, also consider involving your child in meal planning and food preparation. This will help them – and you – learn more about nutrition and will encourage your children to take an even greater interest in the foods they consume.
• Encourage movement in ways that your child enjoys, whether that’s playing sports, going on walks with your dog, bike riding or dancing. Come up with enjoyable ways to get moving. Children aged 6-17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
• Avoid caffeine-containing products and be cautious of energy drinks, which may contain caffeine.
• Review your child’s medications with your doctor, including any over-the-counter remedies, as these may affect your child’s blood pressure.

Model good heart health by learning your own risk for heart disease. Take the free online quiz.