Blood pressure in children

The abnormal rise in blood pressure in children is causing worldwide concern as

this is a problem which is endemic to the 21st century. It is important that the rise
if blood pressure in children needs to be monitored in a systematic manner
especially if a rise in associated diseases affecting various vital organs is to be
minimized.

Blood pressure in children can be estimated using sphygmomanometers which

are instruments used for the measurement of blood pressure in milliliters of
mercury. However these should be used with caution as readings can vary in
children for a variety of reasons.

A problem with a blood pressure assessment of children is if that child is in an

excited state, variations may occur in their blood pressure. Therefore it is
important to ensure you secure the child in such a manner that their excitement
is kept at a minimum so their blood pressure can be accurately recorded.

In the event of encountering high blood pressure in children, specific questions

need to be asked. These include questions such as how long the blood pressure
has been raised, are any other symptoms noticed and whether there is any
perceptible causal agent that can be linked with any incidence of elevated blood
pressure in children.

When compared with the adults, high blood pressure in children is not always
noticed unless there is some concurrent organ damage or dysfunction. Therefore
the raised blood pressure in these children may not become apparent for some
considerable time. This can therefore cause organic damage which could have
otherwise been avoided. If edema is present, then the assessment of blood
pressure in children may also be very difficult

In westernized countries, many of the usual causes and contributory factors to

raised blood pressure in children can include their sedentary lifestyles and also
the fast food culture which is so prevalent nowadays. Many western children are
grossly overweight, and this is due to a combination of their diet which is often
poor and saturated with fat and a lack of exercise.

If the diet factor is to be associated with an increased presence of raised blood

pressure in children, then priority should be given to the addition of salt in
excessive levels and over a period of time. Excessive amounts of salt can be
found in many convenience foods, and children given large amounts of salt may
have enhanced blood pressure.

If children consume too much food with excessive amounts of fat over a period of
time, they are prone to developing an elevation in both their systolic and diastolic
blood pressure. Ultimately this will lead to organ failure which if not treated, could
result ultimately in the death of the child or at best, adulthood plagued with illness
and bad health.