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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of the arteries as it moves through the body. It's normal for your child's blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, your child has high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension. What is normal and what is high blood pressure depends on your child's age, sex, and height. The numbers change as your child grows. Blood pressure is described with two numbers. For example, a child's reading might be 96/57 or "96 over 57." Doctors can't always say what causes high blood pressure. But several things make a child more likely to develop it. These include having a family history of high blood pressure and being overweight. It also can be caused by medicines or by other health problems, such as heart or kidney problems. Children age 3 and older often have their blood pressure checked during routine doctor visits. If your child's blood pressure reads high, you may be asked to bring your child in again for another blood pressure check. The doctor might have your child wear a portable device to measure blood pressure over 24 hours. Your child may need more tests to check for illnesses that may be causing high blood pressure. When blood pressure is a little high, it may increase the risk of health problems later in life. If blood pressure is very high, it can cause serious and immediate damage to a child's body, especially the heart and brain. This type of high blood pressure is rare. With very high blood pressure, your child or teen may need more tests to find the cause. High blood pressure is treated in different ways. Treatment depends on how high the blood pressure is. When it's just a little high, doctors often treat it with a healthy lifestyle, like eating healthy foods and being active. If the blood pressure is higher and if a healthy lifestyle doesn't help lower it enough, the doctor may recommend medicine. If another health problem is causing the high blood pressure (secondary high blood pressure), treating the other health problem may lower the blood pressure. Your child may also need medicine to lower it. Your doctor may suggest a healthy lifestyle to help lower your child's blood pressure. Try these tips: Eating healthy foods and being physically active may help your child lose weight. Help your child eat a diet that's rich in foods that can help lower blood pressure. Your child's doctor may recommend the DASH diet. This eating plan includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat dairy foods. Also help your child limit sodium and sugar in foods and drinks. Your child's doctor can help you make an activity plan. Being active for at least 60 minutes a day might be a good goal for your child. You can also help your child if you are active too. This can teach your child that exercise is for everyone. Screen time includes TV, computers, tablets, smartphones, and video games. If you are considering limiting screen time, your doctor can offer information and support as you think about making this change. For example, try to eat as a family at regular times. And find an activity you all can do. Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: June 24, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
Condition Basics
What is high blood pressure in children and teens?
What causes it?
How is it diagnosed?
Why is high blood pressure a problem?
How is high blood pressure treated in children and teens?
How can you help your child lower high blood pressure?
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.