What Causes Hypertension in Children?
The Root Causes of Hypertension in Children
When someone says: " Causes of hypertension in children" don't confuse the word hypertension with children that are hyper. A child that's hyper, overactive, is quite different from a child with hypertension.
Like any other disease you have symptoms, then there are the underlying causes.
The #1 Cause - Hypertension in Children
The experts say: "Children with kidney problems lose the ability to deal with high sodium levels, their kidneys cannot process and rid the body of sodium - this condition is what can lead to hypertension."
Of course there are other causes, and they are:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Drug Reactions
- Lead Poisoning
- Adrenal Stress
Genetics - with any disease there is always a possibility that genetics plays a major role in the cause. It's extremely important to get to the root of the problem because of CAD (coronary arterial disease).
Hypertension in children, if gone untreated, can develop into CAD in adulthood. Given the proper medication, exercise and diet, most children will avoid any further complications as they pass into adulthood.
Measurement of Hypertension in Children
Systolic blood pressure is the best indicator of hypertension in children.
What is systolic blood pressure? Your heart has two measurements for blood pressure: Systolic and Diastolic. Your heart is a muscle that contracts and expands; systolic is the measurement of the contraction side. When your heart contracts it pushes blood from the heart through the arteries, it's this pressure that is measured and named "systolic."
Numerical Blood Pressure Guide
The following guide is widely used to gauge a child's systolic pressure, this is until they reach their teens. The first number is normal, the second is high and the third needs immediate attention:
- 1 Month old - 60, 80, 110
- 1 Year Old - 80, 100, 130
- 5 Years Old - 90,110, 140
- 10 Years Old - 105, 120, 150
Blood Pressure Monitors - You can purchase a blood pressure monitor for your home, and the cost is relatively inexpensive. Most are automated to where you only have to properly apply the arm band and just push a button to start it.
Hypertension in Children - On the Rise
For a variety of reasons, hypertension is on the rise with children.
Symptoms - unfortunately there are not a lot of signs when hypertension sets in. The more subtle signs, as vague as they may be, are - obesity and lack of energy. These signs have to be opposite of what has been normal in the past.
As mentioned, you can get a home blood pressure monitor and take periodic readings as a precaution.
What Next?
Your child is totally dependent on you and your observations of them when it comes to their health. Your first step will be to consult with your doctor. The unfortunate part is kids are being given prescription drugs more and more these days as part of their treatment program.
It will be up to you to determine what options you will use to treat this condition going forward. Keep in mind that there are holistic, professional MD's that practice both modern and alternative medicine.
More information on alternative treatment options are available at the site: High Blood Pressure Cures.
Getting informed, knowing the other alternatives gives you confidence when making future decisions for your child - don't forget - you child is depending on you!
