What is hypertension?
Hypertension refers to high blood pressure. In hypertension, blood pressure is increased. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. When this force increases and becomes too high, it is referred to as hypertension.
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When high blood pressure develops in the body, the following changes happen due to pressure:
- The heart needs to pump harder to overcome the pressure
- The arteries or the blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart fall under greater pressure
High blood pressure, if untreated, can also over time damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of high blood pressure will help your child maintain health.
What causes hypertension?
Hypertension can broadly be classified into two types based on the causative reason.
1. Primary hypertension
There is no underlying medical issue present which is responsible for causing the high blood pressure. It is more common in children who are overweight or obese or have a problem of hypertension in the family.
2. Secondary hypertension.
There are underlying medical issues which are responsible for the development of hypertension. These may include:
- kidney disease
- hormone imbalance
- problem in blood vessels
- lung problems
- heart problems
- medications
What are signs and symptoms of hypertension?
Usually, no signs and symptoms of high blood pressure are observed in a child. It is only diagnosed on measurement of the blood pressure which may be on a routine hospital visit. If undiagnosed, hypertension leads to severely high blood pressure, some of the following signs and symptoms may develop:
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Fluttering or racing heartbeat
- Nausea.
How is hypertension treated?
The first step in management of high blood pressure would be by making certain lifestyle changes. These include-
- Maintaining a proper healthy diet. Children can be recommended to follow a DASH diet for the control of high blood pressure.
- Fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy in the diet should be the maximum portion.
- Salt intake should be limited.
- Children should avoid caffeine
- Regular exercise for children should be encouraged. A 30–60 minutes exercise at least 3–5 times a week is ideal.
- Children who suffer from severe hypertension should take part in safe activities and sports only after consulting with their doctor.
- Teenagers should avoid smoking. The home and car of children with high blood pressure should be smoke-free.
If dietary and lifestyle modifications do not work, specific medication can be prescribed by the doctor to control the blood pressure of your child. Medication will be prescribed based on what is your child’s blood pressure levels, time of problem and if any underlying disease is present or not.
In case high blood pressure is caused due to any underlying disease, treatment of the disease will cure hypertension.
What else should I know as a parent?
- Children with hypertension do not usually exhibit external signs of being unwell. Nevertheless, you should not take hypertension lightly and treat your child with care.
- Ensure that your child follows a healthy diet. Your teenager should always avoid the use of alcohol and also avoid smoking.
- Ensure that your child takes medications as prescribed and timely.
- Make regular appointments to the doctor and never miss them. This will keep a track of your child’s health.
