High blood pressure (hypertension) in children is blood pressure that's the same as or higher than 95 percent of children who are the same sex, age and height as your child. There isn't a simple target blood pressure reading that indicates high blood pressure in all children because what's considered normal changes as children grow.
High blood pressure in children younger than 6 years old is usually caused by another medical condition. Older children can develop high blood pressure for the same reasons adults do — excess weight, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising more, can help reduce high blood pressure in children. But for some children, medications may be necessary.
High blood pressure usually doesn't cause symptoms. However, signs and symptoms that might indicate a high blood pressure emergency include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Chest pains
- Fast, pounding, or fluttering heart beat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
If your child has any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
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 occurs on its own, without an underlying condition.
Your child's risk factors for high blood pressure depend on health conditions, genetics and lifestyle factors.
Primary (essential) hypertension
Primary hypertension occurs on its own, without an identifiable cause. This type of high blood pressure occurs more often in older children, generally age 6 and older. The risk factors for developing primary hypertension include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of high blood pressure
- Having type 2 diabetes or a high fasting blood sugar level
- Having high cholesterol
- Eating too much salt
- Being black or Hispanic
- Being male
- Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
- Being sedentary
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension is caused by another condition. It's more common in young children. Other causes of high blood pressure include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Heart problems, such as severe narrowing (coarctation) of the aorta
- Adrenal disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor in the adrenal gland
- Narrowing of the artery to the kidney (renal artery stenosis)
- Sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea
- Certain medications, such as decongestants, oral contraceptives and steroids
- Drugs, such as cocaine
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
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