Most parents don’t expect to hear the words “high blood pressure” when it comes to their child. But it’s more common than many realize, and it can develop quietly without any clear warning signs.
If it’s not treated, high blood pressure can cause serious problems for a child or teen’s heart, kidneys, and overall health over time. The good news is that catching it early, building healthy habits, and getting the right care can often keep it under control, and in many cases, prevent it from developing.
How Common Is High Blood Pressure in Kids and Teens
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 25 kids in the U.S. between the ages of 12 and 19, roughly 1.3 million, have high blood pressure.
When you also count those with elevated blood pressure (formerly called prehypertension), the number jumps to about one in ten. In many cases, lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and weight play a big role.
Other studies estimate that anywhere from 4.7% to nearly 20% of children may have high blood pressure, depending on factors such as age, sex, race, body mass index, and family history. For instance, research shows that around one in five children with obesity may also have hypertension.
What Is High Blood Pressure in Kids and Teens
Healthline explains that the definition of high blood pressure in children isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on their age, height, and sex.
To be diagnosed with hypertension, a child’s blood pressure needs to be at or above the 95th percentile for kids in the same group, and this level must be recorded at three separate doctor visits.
The criteria for teens ages 13 and older are the same as for adults. In this case, a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure.
Blood pressure readings are made up of two numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure, the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats. The second number is the diastolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
High blood pressure in children and teens can develop for many reasons. In some cases, it’s primary hypertension, meaning it happens on its own due to lifestyle and genetic factors, as per the American Heart Association.
In other cases, it’s secondary hypertension, which is caused by another medical condition. Some common risk factors include:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Excess weight
- Race (Black children, like Black adults, are at higher risk)
- Unhealthy diet (especially one high in sodium or calories)
- Diabetes
- Low birth weight (being born prematurely)
- Heart or blood vessel problem
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- Sleep apnea
Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, sometimes called the “silent killer.” It’s only detected during a routine checkup in most kids and teens.
However, if blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels, known as a hypertensive crisis, symptoms can appear. These may include:
- Severe headaches
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest tightness or pain
- A rapid or pounding heartbeat
Get your child medical care right away if they ever show these symptoms. Serious consequences can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
How High Blood Pressure Is Diagnosed
Healthcare professionals compare each reading to others of the same age, height, and sex because healthy blood pressure levels in children and teenagers vary as they mature. A diagnosis is made only if the reading is at or above the 95th percentile on three separate visits.
Blood pressure is checked with a cuff around the arm, and a stethoscope is used to listen as it inflates and deflates. Multiple readings are important because some kids and teens get temporary spikes from being nervous at the healthcare provider’s clinic, a reaction known as “white coat syndrome.”
If readings stay high, your healthcare provider, like at Zenith Primary & Urgent Care Clinic in Marlborough, may run tests to look for possible causes. This usually involves:
- A physical exam and a review of medical history
- Questions about symptoms, diet, activity levels, and family history
- Blood pressure screening to check kidney function, hormone levels, and overall health
- An electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart function
- Imaging studies to examine the heart and kidneys
To provide more personalised treatment, these methods assist in determining if the child’s high blood pressure is a result of another medical condition or a problem in and of itself.
How High Blood Pressure Is Treated for Kids and Teens
The child’s cause, severity, and general health determine how high blood pressure in kids and teens should be treated. Changing one’s lifestyle is frequently the initial step, especially if one has mild hypertension.
These may include:
- Eating a balanced diet that’s low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity
- Limiting sugary drinks and processed foods
- Getting enough quality sleep
- Reducing screen time and encouraging active play
Your healthcare provider may suggest medication to help bring readings into a healthier range if lifestyle modifications are insufficient or if high blood pressure is associated with another illness, such as renal disease or a heart condition.
At Zenith Primary & Urgent Care, we work with families to create a care plan tailored to each child’s needs, whether that means ongoing monitoring, lifestyle counseling, or coordinating specialist care.
Our urgent care providers are ready to help with no appointment needed, since walk-in services are available if your child has concerning symptoms.
Also, our Primary Care is accepting new patients, making it easy to get the follow-up and preventive care your child needs. Appointments are available the same day or the next day. You can book online here or call us at 617-500-7933.
