High blood pressure in children
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Definition
High blood pressure (hypertension) in children is defined as having a blood pressure that is the same as or higher than 90 percent of children who are the same sex, age and height as your child. Since what's considered normal blood pressure for children changes as they grow, there isn't a target blood pressure reading like there is for adults.
Because what's considered normal blood pressure for children changes as they grow, high blood pressure in children often goes undiagnosed. High blood pressure in children younger than 10 years old is usually the result of some other medical condition (secondary hypertension). Some children develop high blood pressure for the same reasons adults do — being overweight, eating a poor diet, and not getting enough exercise.
If your child is diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's possible that lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising more, can lower your child's blood pressure. For some children, high blood pressure medications may be necessary.
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