It is a common misconception that high blood pressure or hypertension is more likely to affect older people. However, inactivity, wrong sleeping patterns, and poor food choices can also be the reason behind children and young adults falling prey to such lifestyle conditions.

What you need to know:

How do you define hypertension in children?
Symptoms of hypertension and high blood pressure in children
Tips to lower hypertension in children
Prevention of hypertension in children

How do you define hypertension in children?

In kids, hypertension occurs when their blood pressure consistently exceeds the 95th percentile for their age, gender, and height. Typically hypertension in children occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, placing extra strain on the heart.

Symptoms of hypertension and high blood pressure in children

Youngsters who spend a large part of their day slumped on sofas and are not physically active may become obese, which causes heart problems and diabetes. Eating junk, fried, salty, and sugary foods and drinking carbonated drinks can also lead to excess weight, which is a symptom of primary hypertension. The rise in hypertension is of great concern as it can result in cardiovascular complications during adulthood. High blood pressure in children can also lead to kidney diseases, heart defects, or hormonal disorders. If your child showcases symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, vomiting, pounding heartbeat or palpitations, and seizures, seek medical assistance. Conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, kidney problems, or congenital heart disease can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are symptoms of secondary hypertension.

Tips to lower hypertension in children

Here are a few ways to lower the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure in your children:

Follow DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. Dietary recommendations for treating this condition in children include increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain foods, and other high-fiber foods. Limit excess salt intake and saturated fats in burgers, pizzas, chicken nuggets, chips, and ready-to-eat meals. Parents can consult a dietitian to lower high blood pressure in children without them having to compromise on their favorite foods.

Parents should encourage their kids to be more physically active. Youngsters can try moderate-to-vigorous activities like swimming, jogging, and cycling with their other friends and spend not more than 2 hours on sedentary activities such as watching television or using their smartphones. You can check your child’s body mass index (BMI) on the online BMI Calculator.
Parents are significant agents in influencing and promoting healthy behavior in children. It is imperative that they have healthy habits as many lifestyle conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, and cholesterol, are hereditary.
If your child has severe high blood pressure, consult a doctor and take prescribed medications.

Prevention of hypertension in children

Let’s peek into the best natural ways to prevent hypertension in children.

Exercising regularly
Reduce sodium intake

In this modern age, childhood obesity is one of the biggest health concerns. In today’s day and age, children spend way too much time on their mobile screens. Children now like staying inside. As a result, excessive screen time and no exercise often lead to high blood pressure in children.

Make healthy changes in diet and exercise a family affair. As hypertension in children is asymptomatic, a yearly screening can prove helpful. Regularly monitoring children’s weight, eating habits, and physical activity can help them stay healthy in the long run.

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