Hypertension in children is no longer rare
High blood pressure is often considered an age-related disease, but nowadays more and more children and teenagers are suffering from it. Sedentary lifestyle, academic pressure and a diet high in processed foods make high blood pressure a worrying problem in young children.
A new report by the International Association for Hypertension (ISH) shows that high blood pressure in children is increasing globally. The document, prepared by experts from 12 countries, provides clear guidance on screening, diagnosis and treatment for children.
Why do children have high blood pressure?
According to Dr. Roohi Khan, specialist in Pediatrics at Fortis Hospital (India), the causes of high blood pressure in children are quite diverse. First of all, obesity is increasing due to a diet high in salt, sugar and low in green vegetables and fruits. Sedentary lifestyle, spending a lot of time in front of electronic screens also contributes to increasing risks. In addition, study stress, prolonged lack of sleep and underlying diseases such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes or premature birth are also notable risk factors.
Signs to note
Not every child with high blood pressure has obvious symptoms. However, some symptoms may appear such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nosebleeds, fatigue or difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, children may have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
What is worrying is that many children are completely asymptomatic. Therefore, periodic blood pressure screening is considered an important measure to help detect early and prevent heart and kidney complications in the future.
Recommendations for control and prevention
According to ISH, accurate blood pressure measurement and early detection play a key role in disease control. Children should have their blood pressure checked regularly, especially those at high risk such as obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes.
Experts recommend that children maintain at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day with moderate to high intensity. The time to use electronic devices should be limited to less than 2 hours per day. Children also need to sleep enough from 8-11 hours per night depending on age.
Regarding nutrition, you should prioritize a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat dairy products. It is necessary to limit salt, fast food, processed foods and sugary drinks. Supplementing healthy fats from fish and nuts instead of fried foods also helps support blood pressure control.
In addition, the role of the family is very important. When the whole family changes their lifestyle, children will easily maintain long-term positive habits.
Proactively protect children's health
High blood pressure in children is a controlling issue if detected and intervened in time. The combination of periodic screening, a reasonable diet, regular exercise and support from the family will help reduce the risk of complications and protect cardiovascular health for children in the future.
