Blood pressure is the pressure created by the heart to pump the blood throughout the body, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure is the result of the heart pumping to much pressure into the blood vessels over time. Children can also have naturally high blood blood even though a lot of people think that high blood pressure only happens in adults.
High Blood Pressure Features
Blood pressure is relative in children and all people. The American Heart Association states that blood pressure can depend on age, gender and height. Some diseases and complications might also be the cause of high blood pressure or sometimes a certain medication can be the cause of high blood pressure. High blood can also be present in children due to hereditary factors or a family history of high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Effects
High blood pressure can lead to a number of health problems, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure stretches out the arteries and blood vessels, which is the cause of health complications. Blood clots are more likely to form in people and children with high blood pressure according to the American Heart Association. These blood clots usually clog the blood vessels and are likely to cause a heart attack or stroke.
Exercise And Blood Pressure
Regular physical activity is one of the best natural ways to manage a child's blood pressure, manage the weight and prevent other diseases, including diabetes. At least moderate physical activity should be done for 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of health complications from high blood pressure in children. Find something your child enjoys doing to help him want to exercise every day.
Exercise Recommendations
The American Heart Association recommends that you exercise to benefit your heart and your lungs. It recommends that your child should get 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity each week. The physical activity should be preformed in segments of at least 10 minutes at one time. Some type of stretching and flexibility should be incorporated into the child's physical activity. There should also be some type of muscle strengthening activity done around twice a week.
Considerations
Children should eat a healthy diet with foods that have lots of soluble fiber to help prevent high blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about the best foods for your child to eat to help lower their blood pressure. Visit your child's doctor periodically to monitor their blood pressure. A child may require medication if there is a family history of high blood pressure.
