People of any age, including children, can develop hypertension (high blood pressure). According to the American Heart Association (AHA), hypertension increases a child's risk for harmful conditions, such as heart attack and stroke. Early detection of hypertension is key, since high blood pressure often exacerbates over time and can cause further damage in adulthood. If you suspect that your child has high blood pressure, seek prompt guidance from your doctor.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease causes hypertension in a small number of children. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, approximately one or two children in America develop kidney failure, the worst case result of kidney disease, annually. African-American children are more likely to develop kidney disease than Caucasian children, and boys more frequently acquire it than girls. Diseases, birth defects and hereditary factors may contribute to kidney disease in children. In cases of chronic kidney disease, dialysis and/or kidney transplantation are often required. Hypertension caused by kidney disease, known as secondary hypertension, usually alleviates once the underlying illness is treated.
Overweight and Obesity
Overweight and obese children are prone to hypertension. According to research published in the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in May, 2006, childhood hypertension is on the rise. Though hypertension with no known medical cause (primary hypertension) is rare in children under age 10, hypertension caused by another condition (secondary hypertension) is more common in children than in adults. Sedentary lifestyle, eating excessive amounts of high-calorie foods, and psychological factors, such as depression, contribute to hypertension and unhealthy weight gain in children. Though genetics can play a role in whether a child develops hypertension, setting a healthy example and parental guidance hold more impact.
Family History
A child's family history can lead to hypertension. According to the AAFP, children over age 10 with family history of hypertension, African-American children and those with sleep disorders are most likely to develop primary hypertension. Since this form of hypertension is associated with increased risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, early detection and management is vital. If you or other family members have high blood pressure, regular blood pressure testing for your children is recommended. A healthy dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity and, in some cases, medications, can help reduce or manage your child's blood pressure.
