When the word hypertension is mentioned, it rarely seems to involve young children. But unfortunately, this disease is not seen only in adults, it can also affect children, especially those with obesity. But is high blood pressure dangerous for children? What is the normal blood pressure for children? What are the ways to prevent high blood pressure in children? Stay with us to learn more about **causes, symptoms and treatment of high blood pressure in children** in the rest of this article. High blood pressure in children When the heart beats, it pumps blood to the body's organs to supply the body with energy and oxygen. When the heart muscle contracts, blood flows to the sides of the blood vessels, and the force of this thrust is called blood pressure. If the blood pressure is too high, it puts extra pressure on the arteries and the heart and can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Children's blood pressure is also known as the force that moves blood through the circulatory system in the human body. Blood pressure is also vital because it provides white blood cells, antibodies, and hormones such as insulin. There are no standard criteria that indicate high blood pressure in a child, but the disease is diagnosed if the results of the measurements are equal to or above the standard value. Causes of high blood pressure in children High blood pressure in children is often not recognized as a disease, but high blood pressure at a young age is, in most cases, a sign of a more serious disease. The possible cause of high blood pressure in children varies depending on its type. If the child's blood pressure increases without a clear reason or underlying disease, this type of primary blood pressure is called. Many researchers believe that this issue, in addition to childhood obesity, has become an increasing problem among children and adolescents. In addition to obesity, most adolescents or children with primary hypertension have a family history of weight gain or high blood pressure. In most cases, the cause of high blood pressure is secondary hypertension, which occurs as a result of an underlying disease. For example, the vast majority of children with high blood pressure are caused by kidney disease or vascular abnormalities. 40 to 45% of children and adolescents with high blood pressure have left ventricular hypertrophy. In the autopsy of children with increased blood pressure, premature formation of fatty streaks and fibrotic plaques in the aorta and coronary artery have been seen. In general, most cases of high blood pressure in babies can be attributed to secondary causes, and its incidence also increases in premature babies. Secondary hypertension is more likely to occur in young children than primary hypertension, but its occurrence is seen in children older than one year. Hypertension occurs in 1 to 3 percent of the children's population. Essential or primary hypertension is uncommon in infants, but its incidence increases throughout childhood. Children prone to high blood pressure in children According to the causes of high blood pressure, the presence of the following in children can increase the possibility of developing high blood pressure. These risk factors include: 1. **Inheritance and family history** 2. **Renal failure and diseases (renal artery stenosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, coarctation of the abdominal aorta, Marfan syndrome, cardiovascular diseases)** 3. **Obesity** 4. **liver disease** Symptoms of high blood pressure in children It is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally during examinations by a pediatrician. Depending on the cause of hypertension, children may start with symptoms such as growth retardation, headache, unexplained seizures, unexplained congestive heart failure, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, hot flushes, weight gain or weight loss, stroke and nephritis. While the increase in renovascular blood pressure may be characterized by sudden and progressive high blood pressure, unilateral small kidney, abdominal pain and yartenopathy, and other symptoms of end-organ damage. ### Diagnostic evaluation of high blood pressure in children The history of the child should be prepared by a pediatrician according to the following: - Family history of hypertension, diabetes, obesity in children, sleep disorders, hyperlipidemia, stroke, myocardial infarction and kidney and gland diseases. - Risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity and normal sleep patterns (such as snoring in children, sleep apnea) - History based on blood increase according to age, height or weight in three separate situations - History of drug use, including non-prescription drugs, prescribed or illegal drugs, smoking, etc. - Kidney ultrasound is a useful screening method to determine the size, structure and location of the kidney. - If renal artery stenosis is suspected, renal angiography or MRA should be performed. Normal blood pressure for children Evidence shows that essential hypertension begins in childhood, and by determining childhood blood pressure, puberty blood pressure can be predicted. Blood pressure is measured based on two indicators of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure indicates the force of blood flow against the walls of the vessels. While diastolic blood pressure measures the force of blood pressure on the arterial walls. Sometimes children get high blood pressure just like adults. In general, blood pressure percentile based on sex, age and measurement in three separate situations can help to diagnose high blood pressure in children. Treatment of high blood pressure in children In general, the treatment of high blood pressure in children depends on the cause, however, there is no definitive cure for high blood pressure. For example, basic or primary blood pressure cannot be treated due to heredity and it is only possible to control it. Blood pressure control is recommended for preventing damage to organs and further reducing kidney function. Non-pharmacological treatment is recommended for children with hypertension, especially essential hypertension, which include: - Weight loss and control - Physical activity and sports in children - Control and treatment of underlying problems of high blood pressure - Reduce salt consumption - Avoiding processed foods ### Complications of high blood pressure in children If a child with high blood pressure is not treated, it is likely that the disease will continue into adulthood with serious health complications. These diseases often include stroke, cardiovascular disease, including seizures and heart failure, in addition to kidney disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, any heart disease or other disease that begins in childhood is likely to continue into adulthood. **last word** High blood pressure in children is a rare and serious health problem. High blood pressure in children is often a sign of a disease called secondary hypertension. While some children suffer from this problem due to genetic or hereditary factors. According to research, obesity is one of the most important causes of high blood pressure in children. Therefore, weight control and control of blood pressure related diseases can largely prevent children from getting this disease. Note that drug treatment should be done according to the discretion of the pediatrician.