High blood pressure or hypertension is far more common among adults, but still the high blood pressure rate among kids these days is on the rise. Many experts believe that the trend of high blood pressure in youngsters in connected to the increased obesity in children. Many children and teenagers that have high blood pressure problem do not suffer from other health problems, but they either have a family history of hypertension or an unhealthy habits and lifestyle. Bad eating habits, overweight and very less physical activity are some of major the causes for high blood pressure in youngsters.
When a person suffers from high blood pressure, the heart and arteries have much more work to do than normal. If this condition continues for a longer period of time, the heart and the arteries will no longer work properly as they should. This can also cause some other organs that are dependant on receiving blood, like kidneys and the brain to be concerned and affected. High blood pressure in youngsters is estimated on three percent, a number that grows every year and it’s becoming a great concern and alarming condition for the generations to come. As kids grow older their blood pressure from around 70-90 which is taken as a systolic pressure increases gradually. High blood pressure in youngsters is diagnosed if the blood pressure is higher than the 95th percentile for their height, gender and age.
The causes for high blood pressure in youngsters vary depending on their age. If the child is younger than it is more likely to be a result of some illness. The high blood pressure among the school kids and teenagers is usually a result of an overweight problem, hormonal disorder, kidney problem and some other abnormalities. The usage of medications like steroids or contraceptives as well as consumption of drugs and alcohol can also result in high blood pressure.
Making diagnose for high blood pressure in youngsters can be very tricky. The blood pressure is changing from day to day and often check ups are necessary in order to follow the blood pressure and make a diagnosis. This is the only way to prove and get proper diagnosis if the doctor suspects on high blood pressure in your youngster.
If the high blood pressure is a result of an illness, than treating and curing that illness might be enough to bring the blood pressure to normal. If the cause is obesity than the doctors will advice appropriate diet, full of vegetables and fruits and lesser salt, as well as physical and relaxation activates. Very rarely doctors might prescribe even medications. Diagnosing and treating high blood pressure in youngsters will help prevent damages on organs like the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. Keep your kids healthy by giving them healthy food and keeping them active.
