HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN TEENAGERS ?

by Dr. (Mrs.) Sylvia Olomu

children, aged thirteen and older, elevated blood pressure is defined as blood pressure of 120 to 129mmHg systolic and less than 80mmHg diastolic, and high blood pressure as blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 systolic and 80mmHg diastolic, according to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline 2017.

WHATARE THE COMMON CAUSESOF HIGHBLOOD PRESSURE INTEENAGERS?

Hypertension is characterized as primary” or “essential” hypertension when an identifiable disorder cannot be found and “secondary” hypertension when there is an underlying cause. Although secondary hypertension was previously more common in children, essential hypertension, previously considered a disease of adulthood, is now the most common cause of hypertension in teenagers.

High blood pressure has long been a neglected issue in children. It is a growing problem in children and teens that is often overlooked. Hypertension in teenagers is increasingly recognized as a serious public health problem, not only because of its rising prevalence but because growing evidence indicates that elevated blood pressure early in life has serious lifelong effects on the heart and blood vessels.

There is extensive evidence that risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels occur early in life and cause premature organ damage that tracks into adulthood. Stiffness of the arteries has been observed in children and teens in relation to high blood pressure, hence, early detection of this and other changes is essential for effective intervention and prevention of health consequences in older ages.

WHATISBLOODPRESSURE?

Blood pressure is created by blood pushing against the wall of the arteries when the heart pumps blood. This is important for the proper flow of blood from the heart to all the body organs and tissues. It is the measurement of the force exerted against the arteries when the heart pumps blood through the body. Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers and are written this way: 120/80. The number at the top, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries while the heart is pumping. The number below, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the blood pressure when the heart rests between beats. One or both of these numbers can be high.

WHATISHIGHBLOOD PRESSURE?

High blood pressure is when blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. This means putting an increased amount of pressure on the blood vessels causing the heart to work harder than it should. For long, the diagnosis of high blood in children was only made in the presence of very elevated blood pressure levels. With the advent of blood pressure nomograms, however, it became apparent that more children than normally thought had blood pressures above the normal range. In

Increasing body mass index, obesity, and abdominal circumference are correlated with increased rates of essential hypertension. Being black and being male, family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease, low birth weight, sleep disorders as well as smoking and dietary factors (eating too much salt and having high cholesterol) are also contributary. Secondary hypertension however is mostly caused by health conditions like kidney diseases and diabetes mellitus.

HOW IS HIGHBLOODPRESSURE DIAGNOSED INTEENS?

Typically, high blood pressure may not have warning signs or symptoms. However, severe symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, nosebleeds, or even seizures can occur in some individuals when the blood pressure is very high. The only way to be certain of the presence of high blood pressure is to have the blood pressure measured. This can be done at home using a home blood pressure monitor or at a healthcare facility by a healthcare professional. For a diagnosis of hypertension to be made, portant for measuring accurately.

It is also important that blood pressure is measured with proper technique, in a quiet environment with the child resting comfortably. Blood pressure may be measured two or three times and on more than one occasion before a diagnosis is made. The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child’s medical history and family history of hypertension. It is important to determine whether the hypertension is essential or secondary, the doctor will therefore order tests to check how the kidneys and heart are functioning.

HOWIS HIGHBLOODPRESSURE TREATED INTEENS?

If a teen is diagnosed with slightly, or moderately high blood pressure, the doctor will likely suggest trying lifestyle changes to lower the blood pressure, before prescribing medication. These lifestyle changes include: maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, cutting down on alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking. If lifestyle changes are not enough, the

Parents must:

• Take their teens to see a doctor for a yearly blood pressure check if high blood pressure runs in the family.

• Monitor the blood pressures of their teenagers at home and see a doctor if values are higher than normal.

• Do home monitoring of blood pressure for teens on medication.

• Encourage their teens to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• See the doctor if prescribed medications don’t seem to lower their teen’s blood pressure.

Summary

As concerning as high blood pressure is among teenagers, there are ways to prevent and manage it. Most of the time, high blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to a lot of serious health problems including heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and loss of vision. When it concerns blood pressure, it’s better to be proactive. Teenagers should have regular health checks. Where their blood pressures are high they should follow their doctor’s advice for bringing it back to a healthy range.