Cases of hypertension or high blood in children are not isolated. Unfortunately, the detection of the condition among kids is not rare. However, this leaves medical experts in a bind as they are not sure what is the best treatment and management for hypertension in kids.
Children as young as three can develop high blood pressure and at least seven percent of kids until the age of 18 has the condition, per a study published in the American Family Physician. "Common sense says that if you diagnose and treat high blood pressure early, it will help," said the study's lead author Margaret Riley. "But we don't know if treating will lead to improved outcomes," she added.
#WorldHypertensionDay #Hypertension in Kids- not as uncommon as you think! https://t.co/K7tYtf1vJz via @mycity4kids pic.twitter.com/XMmo1uWkDf
— Namrata Sadhvani (@NamrataSadhvani) May 17, 2016
Hypertension In Kids: What Is Normal?
A normal and ideal blood pressure among adults is at 120/80 mm Hg. Any number above this is considered pre-hypertension and patients are advised to do lifestyle changes or take maintenance medications to prevent strokes, heart attack and other health complications.
But hypertension in kids is frequently misdiagnosed, or it's much more complicated to interpret especially since data and studies are not enough. The normal number is harder to determine as blood pressure in children are usually low. However, when their body develops, the normal range can vary depending on the size of the body, age, gender and their activities. Children also have anxiety over tests, which can spike their blood pressure, per Daily Herald.
#Hypertension is increasing in kids & teens. Here's what you need to know: https://t.co/graOSEF1a7 @ChildrensPhila — Medscape Pediatrics (@MedscapePeds) May 7, 2016
Hypertension In Kids: Early Screening And Treatment
Riley also said that tests and treatments for high blood in children have become an ongoing debate among experts in the medical community. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends blood pressure screening at 3-years-old, based on the guidelines outlined via The Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force argue that early screening does not bring any advantage.
When a child is confirmed to be hypertensive, experts are also not sure on what the long-term consequences are if they take medications. Should they use beta-blockers and inhibitors just like adults? "Nobody knows if treatment long-term will lead to decreased numbers of heart attacks and strokes," said Riley in the study. The expert advised that parents have to instill a healthy lifestyle and eating habits in their kids early on so that they do not develop hypertension.
Parents, what do you think about this? What do you do to ensure that your kids don't develop high blood conditions early? Let us know in the comments!
