High Blood Pressure in Children
While a majority of the conversation about high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) centers on adults, children of all ages, from birth to teens, can have high blood pressure. Just like high blood pressure in adults, there are often no symptoms and early diagnosis and treatment are key.
The American Heart Association recommends that all children have yearly blood pressure measurements in order to allow for early detection and intervention.
When it comes to blood pressure in children, “normal” is relative. Your doctor will calculate what’s right for your child based on three factors:
High blood pressure in children can arise from several risk factors or it can be secondary hypertension, resulting from an underlying health condition.
- Secondary hypertension in children Certain diseases as well as some medications can cause high blood pressure in children.
- Hereditary or lifestyle-related factors Even though the exact cause is not diagnosed, doctors realize a variety of factors can contribute to the condition, including:
- Family history
- Excess weight or obesity
- Race — Like African-American adults, African-American children are also at a higher risk for high blood pressure. Learn more about African-Americans and high blood pressure.
- Age — Heavier and more sexually mature teenagers tend to have higher blood pressure. According to research, teenagers who are obese and have high blood pressure may develop thicker arteries by age 30.
Treatment centers on management through a combination of lifestyle factors (like diet, weight management and exercise) and medication (if required).
Ask your doctor to measure your child’s blood pressure starting at age 3. Helping children keep a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods, and get regular physical activity can lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Try these tips to help your child keep a healthy weight and normal blood pressure:
Food and Drinks
- Offer nutritious, lower-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and solid fats. Try serving more fruits and vegetables at meals and as snacks.
- Provide foods that are low in sodium (salt). Sodium raises blood pressure. Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. children eat more sodium than is recommended. Learn more about sodium.
- Make sure water is always available as a no-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, and limit juice.
Physical Activity
- Help your child get the recommended amount of physical activity each day. Choose from many age-appropriate activities.
Healthy Weight
- Be aware of your child’s growth. Learn how obesity is measured in children, and use CDC’s Child and Teen BMI Calculator to screen your child for potential weight issues.
Get Involved
- Be a role model! Eat healthy meals and snacks, and get the right amount of physical activity every day.
- Help shape a healthy school environment using CDC’s Parents for Healthy Schools resources.