High blood pressure (hypertension) in children is blood pressure that is at or above the 95th percentile for children who are the same sex, age and height as your child. There isn’t a simple target range for high blood pressure in all children because what’s considered normal changes as children grow.
However, in teenagers, high blood pressure is defined the same as for adults: A blood pressure reading greater than or equal to 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
The younger a child is, the more likely it is that the high blood pressure is caused by a specific and identifiable medical condition. Older children can develop high blood pressure for the same reasons adults do — excess weight, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
Causes of high blood pressure in children
Children of all ages, from birth to teens, can have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. There are often no symptoms and early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Pediatric guidelines recommend that all children ages 3 and older have yearly blood pressure checks for early detection and treatment. Children younger than 3 may need blood pressure checks if they have a high risk condition.
High blood pressure in younger children is often related to other health conditions, such as heart defects, kidney disease, genetic conditions or hormonal disorders. Older children — especially those who are overweight — are more likely to have primary hypertension. This type of high blood pressure occurs on its own, without an underlying condition.
Healthy blood pressure ranges in children
A healthy blood pressure range for your child depends on three factors:
- Gender
- Age
- Height
Common symptoms
High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms. However, signs and symptoms that might indicate a high blood pressure emergency (hypertensive crisis) include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Chest pains
- Fast, pounding or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
If your child has any of these signs or symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
Complications of blood pressure in children can be encountered
Children who have high blood pressure are likely to continue to have high blood pressure as adults unless they begin treatment.
If your child’s high blood pressure continues into adulthood, your child could be at risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
