High Blood Pressure
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Kids Kare Pediatrics
Board Certified Pediatricians & Pediatric Cardiologists located in Cookeville, TN & Nashville, TN
High blood pressure, or pediatric hypertension, is a growing concern in children and adolescents. Once considered a condition that only affected adults, high blood pressure is now being diagnosed in younger populations due to changes in diet, lifestyle, and rising obesity rates. Early detection and treatment are essential to protect a child’s heart health and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you’re concerned about your child’s blood pressure, schedule an appointment at Kids Kare Pediatrics, which has locations in Cookeville and Nashville, Tennessee. Call the nearest office or book a visit online today.
High Blood Pressure Q&A
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. In children, blood pressure levels are compared against standardized norms based on age, sex, and height. Unlike adults, children’s blood pressure is considered elevated if it falls above the 90th percentile and is classified as hypertensive if it exceeds the 95th percentile for their demographic.
Pediatric hypertension may be primary (often linked to lifestyle or family history) or secondary (caused by underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, heart problems, or endocrine disorders).
How do I know if my child has high blood pressure?
High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, which makes it especially important to monitor during routine checkups. In some cases, a child with hypertension may experience headaches, vision changes, fatigue, chest pain, or difficulty concentrating, but many children show no outward signs at all.
Parents should be particularly attentive if their child is overweight, has a family history of high blood pressure, or has been diagnosed with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Regular pediatric visits at Kids Kare Pediatrics are key to early detection.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Diagnosing high blood pressure in children involves taking accurate blood pressure readings over multiple visits. One elevated reading is not enough for a diagnosis. Their Kids Kare Pediatrics provider will review several blood pressure measurements taken over time and compare them with pediatric guidelines that consider the child’s age, sex, and height percentile.
In some cases, additional tests such as blood work, urine tests, or an echocardiogram may be recommended to rule out secondary causes of hypertension.
What can I do if my child is diagnosed with high blood pressure?
If a child is diagnosed with high blood pressure, their treatment plan may include lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, reducing screen time, and achieving a healthy weight. In more severe cases or when lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be prescribed.
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits are essential to track blood pressure levels and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. With proper treatment and support, most children with high blood pressure can live healthy, active lives.
Concerned about your child’s blood pressure? Schedule an appointment at Kids Kare Pediatrics by calling the office or requesting one online today.