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.