High Blood Pressure Is Also Seen In Children!

High blood pressure, commonly known as adult disease; Due to genetic transition, various kidney diseases and especially obesity, it knocks on the door of children in a dangerous way.

Acıbadem International Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi stated that the blood pressure of every child from the age of 3 should be measured at least once a year, even if there is no problem, and said, “High blood pressure can be seen at any age starting from the neonatal period and is a condition that should be followed carefully. Because high blood pressure can disrupt the structure of the entire vascular system in the body. In children, just like adults; "It can cause serious diseases in important organs such as brain, eyes, heart and kidneys."

Watch out for these symptoms!

The pressure that occurs on the inner wall of the veins during the process of the heart pumping blood to the body is called blood pressure. The pressure created by the heart when pumping blood is defined as high blood pressure, and the pressure created when the heart muscle relaxes is defined as small blood pressure. However, high blood pressure is usually asymptomatic in children. In babies who cannot speak yet, high blood pressure manifests itself in the form of excessive crying, sweating, breathing frequently, feeding difficulties for no reason. In older children, symptoms such as headache, nausea, tinnitus, excessive sweating, vomiting, palpitations, decreased vision, breathlessness and fatigue may occur. Explaining that blood pressure can change in children during the day and depending on reasons such as anxiety, fear and sadness, Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi says, “Normal blood pressure values ​​in childhood vary according to the age, gender, weight / height ratio of the child”.

Some diseases cause high blood pressure

So why does high blood pressure occur in children? The first answer to this question is genetic transmission from the family. In such cases, excess weight also accompanies high blood pressure. Noting that obesity also causes high blood pressure, Dr. Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi continues her words as follows: “Secondary causes of high blood pressure include some kidney and heart problems and rarely adrenal gland tumors. High blood pressure rarely causes complaints. Kidney-induced hypertension causes growth retardation. In addition, nosebleeds, vision problems, headache, dizziness and epileptic seizures can be seen. In children who are thought to have high blood pressure, blood pressure monitoring with a holter device should be performed.

Have your blood pressure measured once a year

High blood pressure can cause various organ damage, especially in the heart, kidney, vessel walls and nerves. Since the blood pumped with high pressure causes growth in the chambers of the heart and thickening of the heart muscle, it also increases the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack in the future. He also stated that untreated blood pressure is responsible for the slowing of blood flow to the kidney due to the damage caused by the kidney vessels. Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi said, “Likewise, the vessels leading to the brain are damaged due to high blood pressure. This can lead to a stroke. Since high blood pressure will disrupt the vein leading to all kinds of organs, it has effects such as visual impairment. Therefore, blood pressure of every child over the age of 3 should be measured once a year, even if there is no complaint. If there are diseases or complaints that suggest high blood pressure, blood pressure should definitely be measured under the age of three, ”he says.

The first step in treatment is weight control

When the diagnosis of high blood pressure is diagnosed, the first method used as a treatment is to provide emotional support by starting diet and exercise to bring the child's weight to the desired level. Emphasizing that salt consumption should also be limited, Dr. According to the information given by Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi, the amount of salt that should be taken daily is less than one gram in the first six months, one gram until the age of one, 1 grams between the ages of 3-2, 4 grams between the ages of 6-3, 7 grams between the ages of 10-5. Should be between 11-14 years old and 6 grams for adults as well. Stating that a teaspoon of salt is around 1.5-2 grams, Dr. Şeyma Ceyla Cüneydi completes her words as follows:

“If high blood pressure is detected, these amounts should also be reduced. It's not just the salt in the food, it's the same zamIt is also necessary to consider the salts in processed foods that we call hidden salt at the moment. That's why it's important to limit junk food from childhood. If the diet and salt restriction for 6 months does not work in children, drug treatment is started. "