Arterial hypertension in children

Arterial hypertension in children is not as rare as it might seem at first glance. This disease contributes to the development of ischemia, heart and kidney failure, impaired brain function. That is why today they are trying to find the most effective methods for preventing the disease in children and adolescents.

This pathology is especially dangerous for a body that is not yet strong, therefore, at the first symptoms, it is necessary to show the child to a doctor.

general characteristics

Hypertension or arterial hypertension is a disease characterized by a significant increase in systolic and diastolic pressure.

There are two forms of pathology:

• primary;
• secondary.

Primary hypertension is special in that it is impossible to find the cause of the increase in pressure.

Depending on age, hypertension occurs for various reasons:

• In a child up to a year, such violations may occur due to complications of pregnancy.
• In an infant and children under six years of age, the disease may occur due to Wilms' tumor or renal artery stenosis.
• In children under ten years of age, the cause of high blood pressure is usually pathology of the kidneys.
• In adolescents, the main causes of violations of blood pressure indicators are emotional stress, hormonal changes associated with the transition period, and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Factors that can contribute to high blood pressure in adolescents include:

• emotional disturbances, frequent conflicts at school and family;
• personal reactions of the child to stressful situations;
• overweight;
• metabolic disorders;
• salt abuse.

Hypertension can also develop in a child due to a genetic predisposition.

How is childhood hypertension diagnosed?

If adolescents have moderate hypertension, then it may not manifest itself in any way. In this case, violations can only be detected by measuring the pressure. Sometimes the child may have a headache or be irritable, but parents often associate these symptoms with puberty.

If arterial hypertension in adolescents is pronounced, almost always patients feel unwell. In addition to constantly aching or feeling dizzy, memory is disturbed and painful sensations arise in the region of the heart.

With malignant hypertension, blood pressure reaches high values ​​and treatment in such a situation is ineffective. In such a situation, the consequence may be death.

The child's blood pressure may rise sharply. This condition is called a hypertensive crisis. It is characterized by severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, weakness. The crisis can last from several hours to several days. If measures are not taken in time, then there may be pulmonary edema, cerebral hemorrhage and other consequences that are incompatible with life.

Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in children and adolescents

To determine the degree of development of the disease, pressure is measured, anamnesis is taken, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination are prescribed. Laboratory and instrumental methods include an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart, urine and blood tests.

The principles of treatment of the disease in adolescents are as follows:

• lower blood pressure;
• prevent damage to vital organs;
• eliminate the factors that caused the disease.

General therapy

Pediatric hypertension is treated comprehensively. Adolescents can have regular blood pressure measurements for a month without prescribing any medication.

If the indicators are normal, then they do not resort to drug therapy, but use the following methods:

1. If the patient is obese, reduce body weight. It is forbidden to use fatty meats, coffee, lard, pastries, chocolate and cocoa, spicy, fried and salty foods.
2. Increase physical activity. To improve well-being, running, swimming, walking, breathing exercises, and cardio are useful. It is necessary to ensure that the load is moderate.
3. Improve nutrition and lifestyle. The issue of a salt-free diet in adolescents with hypertension is not fully understood, but children are still advised to reduce their salt intake.
4. The disease is often caused by stress, so the nervous system must be strengthened. Children are advised to avoid conflicts, parents should do their best to create a favorable climate for the health and normal development of the child.

Drug therapy

If these methods do not work, the indicators continue to rise, it is worth turning to medicines for help.

Reducing pressure in adolescents begins with a minimum dose of medication. Therapy is carried out at the very beginning with the help of only one drug. This reduces the risk of side effects and harms the child's body less, which is especially important if the child is not yet a year old.

When therapy with one drug fails, additional drugs should be prescribed.

The medicine helped or not, you can understand after two or three months from the start of treatment.

Children are usually prescribed such medicines:

• beta blockers. They affect the nerve receptors of the cardiovascular system;
• diuretics speed up recovery. They remove excess fluid from the body, due to which the volume of blood decreases and pressure decreases;
• angiotensin receptor blockers.

If the psycho-emotional state is disturbed, then it is possible to prescribe sedatives in the form of valerian or motherwort.

Complications and prevention of the disease

Arterial hypertension in children can have serious consequences. This pathology is equally dangerous for adolescents and for children under one year old. It can lead to the development of serious diseases that will cause disability. Therefore, it is desirable to carry out the prevention of the disease and monitor the blood pressure in the child. At the first symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Preventive measures include the following:

• Proper nutrition with a predominance of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
• Moderate physical activity.
• No conflicts in the family and school.
• Absence of emotional and physical stress.
• Complete sleep.

Remember that the disease is always easier to prevent than to cure.