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Overview
Causes of High Blood Pressure in AdolescentsWhat doctors consider a normal blood pressure for kids is based on kids' sex, age and height, and those values constantly change until kids reach adulthood. But for the approximately 3 percent of children whose blood pressure measures at or above 90 percent of kids in their demographic, they are considered to have high blood pressure. It is also important to note that doctors diagnose kids as having high blood pressure only after three elevated readings over the course of three different office visits.
Significance
For the child who has high blood pressure, his heart and arteries must work overtime to pump blood so that it can reach all the vital organs of his body. Over time, the heart and arteries weaken under the stress of such a heavy workload. In turn, this causes a decrease in the blood supply to the rest of his body. If left untreated, your child might be at a greater risk for experiencing a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.
Primary Hypertension
Although high blood pressure in kids itself is often undiagnosed, the causes of high blood pressure in adolescents is usually the result of poor lifestyle choices. Primary hypertension refers to the onset of high blood pressure as a direct consequence of the child being overweight, having a poor diet, not getting enough exercise or feeling overly stressed. High cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes are also primary causes.
Secondary Hypertension
But poor lifestyle choices aren't the only reasons some kids have high blood pressure. Secondary hypertension refers to a preexisting medical condition that, as a side effect, causes high blood pressure. Most often these conditions are related to a defect of the heart, kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes or hormonal imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism.
Medications and Drugs
Lastly, some adolescents might experience high blood pressure as a result of the medications they are taking. Steroids and oral contraceptives can cause elevated readings. Additionally, alcohol and illegal drugs, especially when abused, can also cause high blood pressure.
Signs
Unless your child is being monitored for an underlying medical condition, you might not realize he has high blood pressure. However, there are some warning signs to look for that may alert you: chest pain, unexplained fatigue, headache, an inability to concentrate or difficulty sleeping. The presentation of one of these signs alone might not warrant a trip to the doctor, but you should be aware of them and monitor your child for multiple signs. If he experiences blurred vision, shortness of breath or a feeling of confusion, seek immediate medical attention.
Treatments
The best way to treat the causes of high blood pressure in adolescents is with preventative medicine. Beginning at 3 years of age, your child should have his blood pressure routinely checked during his annual well visit. Likewise, a lifestyle that includes plenty of big-muscle activity and healthy, low-salt and low-cholesterol foods will help prevent high blood pressure. If a doctor determines that your child needs medication to treat his high blood pressure, she will prescribe one that is best suited for your child's condition. These medications might include diuretics, beta blockers or ACE inhibitors, which all work to flush the kidneys of excess salt, reduce the stress on your child's heart and arteries or make the heart beat more slowly. Receiving treatment for an underlying medical condition might also lower your child's high blood pressure.
