March 29, 2023 Author : Ana Fernandes Teixeira High blood pressure or hypertension in children and young people is not common. Indeed, historically, this was considered a rare clinical situation, resulting from kidney, heart, endocrine or tumor diseases. However, in recent decades, cases of arterial hypertension in the young population , which are not due to those diseases, have been increasing. It is known that for high blood pressure in children and youth also contribute genetic and environmental factors, some of which can act very early, even before birth. Premature children, babies born with low birth weight, children of mothers with diabetes, obesity and hypertension may be at greater risk of hypertension in the future. Among the environmental factors, the following stand out: Sedentary lifestyle; Unhealthy eating. Its effects are plain to see and there seems to be a link between overweight / obesity and high blood pressure in young people . It is estimated that hypertension currently affects 10%-15% of the population aged 10-18 years; The risk of developing hypertension is greater in young people who are overweight and obese. Normal blood pressure values in young people are not the same as those in adults . They differ between girls and boys, and vary with age, weight, height and stage of growth; Thus, they must be measured and interpreted by physicians, within the context of each child or adolescent. High blood pressure symptoms High blood pressure can evolve over many years. silently, that is, without causing symptoms. Therefore, blood pressure should be measured regularly . In children, an annual assessment of blood pressure is recommended from the age of 3, carried out in routine consultations with the attending physician or pediatrician. In some risk groups, such as premature children, with low birth weight, who have been hospitalized in neonatal intensive care, with heart disease, kidney disease or family history of high blood pressure or premature cardiovascular disease, blood pressure monitoring should be done from earlier ages and a more frequent medical surveillance may be required. When there are high blood pressure symptoms, they are uncommon and nonspecific . Therefore, the following should alert to the need to seek medical care, as its cause may be hypertension: Intermittent headaches, sometimes with vomiting; Vision disorders; Chest pain or discomfort; Feeling sick. When high blood pressure is suspected, blood test and other medical tests are carried out to investigate its cause. Treating hypertension in children and youth The treatment of high blood pressure depends on what causes it. When arterial hypertension is secondary to other diseases, the underlying primary disease must be treated. In all other situations , that is, when there are no illnesses that can explain high blood pressure, the first line of treatment is the adoption of a healthy lifestyle: Changing eating habits: Reduce the consumption of salt, fat and sugars; Increase water consumption and eliminate soft drinks; Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, promoting a higher fiber content in the diet; Eliminate sweets and treats. Practice physical activity regularly Walking, running, gymnastics, the sports options are multiple. Decrease periods of sedentary lifestyle, for example watching television or playing on consoles; Maintaining a normal body weight or losing weight when overweight and obese; Sleep a sufficient number of hours; Prevent smoking. Remember that Many situations of high blood pressure in adults start at pediatric age. Children with high blood pressure are more likely to become adults with high blood pressure. Atherosclerosis, diseases of the heart, kidneys, brain, eyes (target organs of hypertension) contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and end-stage kidney disease in adults. Combining efforts to promote health and prevent diseases in children and youth is to contribute to making them healthier adults . Healthy habits adopted by the entire family increase the likelihood of success. Meet the pediatrics clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
