Your Child is at Risk For High Blood Pressure and You Are Completely Unaware
By Stephen Josephs
Is your child at risk?
High Blood pressure (hypertension) is not something most parents think about when it comes to their childrens health. Many people think that this only affects adults however, it is on the rise among kids as the childhood obesity epidemic grows. Hypertension is a serious problem that is often undiagnosed in kids.
High blood pressure in a child can be caused by problems with the kidneys or heart however, for a growing number of children an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise seem to be contributing more and more. This condition in children has become an extension of the national obesity epidemic. Most often, a child will have no symptoms. This is one of many reasons to bring your child to your pediatrician for regular health check-ups. Around the age of three your childs pressure should be checked yearly. As a parent stay informed and ask the doctor at each visit what your childs BP reading is, so you know. Keep a journal.
Here are several ways to reduce, lower and maintain it. A child who gets more exercise and eats a healthier diet is less likely to develop hypertension, than a child who does not, even if it exists in the family. Children diagnosed with hypertension can often decrease their blood pressure by making dietary and other lifestyle changes. Help your child get on a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and reduce the salt (sodium) intake. Medication may be recommended if the diet and exercise changes were not enough to lower your childs blood pressure.
There are several conditions it leads to. A child that is overweight has an increased risk of other cardiovascular problems, as well as diabetes. This condition in a child can lead to heart failure, kidney disease and stroke just as it can in adults. Severe hypertension is rare in children, but even mild cases can cause damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. The heart and arteries have a very heavy workload in children with high blood pressure. The heart has to pump harder and their arteries are under strain as they carry blood.
In short, with many public schools no longer offering PE classes and children spending most of their free time sitting in front of modern day TV it has become increasingly more difficult for our children to get the necessary exercise. As a parent make it your responsibility! Follow the link to our site for more information.

