What Causes Hypertension in Children

When someone says - CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN the more common phrase is HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHILDREN.

Also, don't confuse hypertension with the word hyper. A child that's hyper, overactive, is quite different from a child with hypertension.

Like any other disease you have symptoms and then you have the underlying cause.

You don't want to get your child hooked on drugs if it's not necessary. Finding the root cause of their hypertension is the first step, the next step is looking at the options to manage it.

Causes of Hypertension in Children

The number one cause for this disease is kidney conditions.

This can occur because of a medical condition or high sodium levels. The inability of the kidneys to process and rid the body of the excess causes hypertension in the child.

Less common causes would be stress, obesity, drug reaction, lead poisoning and adrenal stress.

It's always a consideration that genetics can play a role in hypertension, so a thorough checkup with your pediatrician is always advised.

Until you know exactly what is the cause, drugs will probably be used to control this problem.

One long term reason you want to control this and find the root cause is CAD. CAD is coronary arterial disease. The presence of hypertension in children can develop into CAD in adulthood.

Good advice, if you are faced with a situation like this, is to read. Once you know your child has hypertension get as much information as you can so you and your doctor can map out a plan.

Systolic blood pressure is the best indicator of hypertension in children.

This is a common guide widely used until children get into their teens. To make it easy the first number is normal, the second is high and the third needs immediate attention.

Lets look at a few numbers:

• 1 Month old - 60, 80, 110
• 1 Year Old - 80, 100, 130
• 5 Years Old - 90,110, 140
• 10 Years Old - 105, 120, 150

Blood pressure devices for the home are relatively inexpensive these days, having one around the house is a good idea. They are easy to learn and it's good for the whole family to use. It's a good idea for everyone to check their blood pressure periodically.

Hypertension in children is on the rise, the question you are left with is what to do?

Follow your doctors advice and then start looking at all the alternatives, yes this include natural remedies.

Your children are dependent on you for their future care. You know as well as I that being on drugs, long term, have many side effects.

It's imperative that you do your best to discover the root cause of your child's hypertension.

Don't rule out consulting with a holistic professional MD, many times they can find things that are easily remedied. .

Take a look at high blood pressure cures, keep looking for answers - your child is depending on YOU.