A diagnosis of hypertension is made only when a person has at least three separate readings performed one to several weeks apart. While the condition is most common among adults, children can have high blood pressure too, even as infants. In fact, since the early 2000s there has been an alarming rate of increase among kids and adolescents. Researchers found a trend of high blood pressure in children ages eight to 17 years who were overweight or obese. As kids grow, their blood pressure increases from a systolic pressure of about 70-90 in an infant to adult values in a teenager. Among young kids, the "normal" range will depend on the child's gender, age, and height; your child's doctor will be able to compare your child's blood pressure with national norms. As the condition usually does not display any symptoms, diagnosing it in kids especially can be tricky. Juvenile hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than the 95th percentile for their age, height, and gender. In other words, 95% of kids of the same age, height, and gender will have blood pressure below this number. Although the severe form of the condition is rare in kids, even mild to moderate hypertension over time, if not treated, can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Stressful situations can elevate the blood pressure. When the stress level goes down, the pressure returns to normal. These temporary increases in blood pressure are not considered hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension is made only when a person has multiple high blood pressure readings over a period of time. In children, blood pressure normally rises during growth and maturation, and varies greatly during adolescence. Physical activity and changes in position can temporarily raise blood pressure. An increase in body weight will also cause a rise in tension. It tends to develop about 10 years after a young person becomes overweight. It is highly recommended that children, who either have the condition or are predisposed to contracting it, quit smoking or never start. The use of tobacco can develop into long-term associated heart problems. Kids with severe hypertension should not participate in weight- and power-lifting, bodybuilding, or strength training until their blood pressure is under control and a doctor OKs it. Consider this: the life of living creatures is in the blood. The Bible tells us that it's sacred and was to be offered back to God, the Creator, for the atonement of sin. (Lev. 17: 11) Therefore, do not take your children's blood for granted. Take good care of it with life-sustaining nourishment for optimum life.
Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter, Youth Makeover: youthmakeover.com
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