High Blood Pressure in Children – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

High blood pressure in children occurs when blood pressure reaches or exceeds the 95th percentile for children of the same sex, age, and height.

For teenagers, doctors define high blood pressure the same way as for adults: readings at or above 130/80 mm Hg.

Young children with high blood pressure often have an underlying medical condition causing it. Meanwhile, older children typically develop high blood pressure for reasons similar to adults—excess weight, poor diet choices, and insufficient physical activity.

Signs to Watch For

High blood pressure typically has no symptoms. It may only be detected during a routine checkup. However, certain warning signs may indicate a high blood pressure emergency:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Chest pains
• Fast, pounding heartbeat
• Trouble breathing

These symptoms need immediate medical attention, especially in children. Don’t wait if you notice these warning signs, as they could signal a dangerous spike in blood pressure that requires emergency care.

When to See a Doctor

Your child should have regular blood pressure checks at well-visits starting at age 3. If high blood pressure is found, it should be checked at every appointment.

Some children need earlier monitoring. This includes babies who:

• Were born prematurely
• Had low birth weight
• Have congenital heart disease
• Have certain kidney problems

These children might need blood pressure checks beginning shortly after birth.

If you worry about risk factors like obesity affecting your child’s blood pressure, speak with your child’s doctor. They can provide guidance based on your child’s specific health needs.

Causes

High blood pressure in younger children typically stems from underlying health issues. These may include:

• Heart defects
• Kidney disease
• Genetic conditions
• Hormonal disorders

For older children, especially those carrying extra weight, primary hypertension is more common. This type of high blood pressure develops independently, without any underlying medical condition causing it.

Risk Factors

Main High Blood Pressure

Main high blood pressure happens without a clear cause. Children age 6 and older get this type more often. Risk factors include:

• Weight Issues: Being overweight increases risk.
• Family History: If parents or close relatives have high blood pressure.
• Health Conditions: Having type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar.
• Cholesterol Levels: Having high cholesterol.
• Diet Choices: Eating too much salt.
• Race/Ethnicity: Higher risk in Black or Hispanic children.
• Gender: Boys face a higher risk than girls.
• Tobacco Exposure: Smoking or breathing secondhand smoke.
• Activity Level: Not getting enough exercise.

Caused by Other Conditions

Some high blood pressure is caused by another health problem. Young children get this type more often. Causes include:

• Kidney diseases or problems
• Heart issues, like narrowing of the aorta
• Problems with adrenal glands
• Overactive thyroid
• Narrowed artery to the kidney
• Sleep problems, especially sleep apnea

Medications that may raise blood pressure:

• Decongestants (for stuffy nose)
• ADHD stimulant medications
• Caffeine
• Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
• Steroids

Illegal drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine can also cause dangerous blood pressure increases.

Complications

Children with high blood pressure often carry this condition into adulthood without proper treatment. This ongoing health issue can lead to serious problems later in life, including:

• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Kidney Disease

Left untreated, childhood hypertension creates a path to these adult health problems.

Prevention

Children can avoid high blood pressure through several key steps. Weight management plays a major role in keeping blood pressure normal.

A healthy diet low in sodium helps protect children’s cardiovascular health.

Regular exercise is also essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

When another medical condition causes high blood pressure, managing that issue may prevent or control blood pressure problems.