Normal Blood Pressure for Kids

Blood pressure is the measure of pressure inside the body's blood vessels. For most adults, ideal blood pressure is 120/80. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the pressure inside blood vessels between heartbeats. For children, however, there is no one ideal blood pressure reading.

Identification

Normal blood pressure for a child depends on his or her age, gender and height. Parents should ask their child's pediatrician to determine what is healthy for their son or daughter.

Significance

If blood pressure becomes too high (high blood pressure), it can lead to heart disease, stroke and other health problems. More than 70 million people in the United States have high blood pressure.

Misconceptions

High blood pressure is not just a concern for adults. Children can have high blood pressure too.

Warning

Risk factors to consider include race and weight. Studies show that African American and Hispanic children are more likely to develop high blood pressure than white children. Overweight children are also at a greater risk.

Prevention/Solution

The American Heart Association recommends children older than age 3 have annual blood pressure checks. Parents can also make sure their child eats healthy foods and gets regular exercise.