Juvenile Hypertension
Although high blood pressure is most common in adulthood, it is a rising concern among children and adolescents. In rare cases, it has even been diagnosed in infancy.
Other People Are Reading
-
Definition
-
Juvenile hypertension is defined as a blood pressure greater than that of the 95th percentile of same age, height, and gender peers.
Causes
-
Juvenile hypertension is typically attributed to childhood obesity or a history of drug usage (including tobacco).
-
Symptoms
-
There are few symptoms for this condition, aside from multiple elevated blood pressure readings.
Diagnosis
-
Blood pressure can fluctuate in children normally during growth and development. In order to diagnose juvenile hypertension, there must be multiple (three or more) elevated readings over a period of time. Because this condition is generally asymptomatic, it is difficult to diagnose.
Treatment
-
Juvenile hypertension can be treated through: weight management, diet modification, added physical activity (with physician approval), and antihypertensive medications.
Complications
-
Damage to the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels can result if this condition is left untreated.
-
