Blood pressure in children
Rising blood pressure in children is a problem which is endemic to the 21st century. The rise in blood pressure in children needs to be examined in a systematic manner especially if a rise in associated diseases affecting various vital organs is to be minimized.
Blood pressure in children can be estimated using sphygmomanometers which are instruments used for the measurement of blood pressure in milliliters of mercury. However there is a need for concern as readings can vary in children for a variety of reasons.
Blood pressure assessment of children is complicated because if that child is in an excited state, variations may occur in their blood pressure. It is crucial to make sure the child is secured in such a way that their excitement is kept to a minimum so that their blood pressure can be accurately recorded.
If high blood pressure is encountered in children, then specific questions have to be asked. Questions like how long the blood pressure has been raised, are any other symptoms noticed and whether or not there is any perceptible causal agent that can be linked with any incidence of elevated blood pressure in children.
When compared with adults, high blood pressure in children is not always noticed unless there is some concurrent organ damage or dysfunction. Therefore the raised blood pressure in these children may not be noticed for some considerable time. This can result in organic damage which could otherwise have been avoided. If edema is present, then the assessment of blood pressure in children may also be very difficult.
In westernized countries, many of the usual causes and contributory factors to raised blood pressure in children includes their sedentary lifestyles and also the fast food culture which is so prevalent nowadays. Many western children are grossly overweight, and this is due to a combination of their diet which is often poor and saturated with fat, and a lack of exercise.
If the diet factor is to be associated with increasing raised blood pressure in children, then priority should be given to the addition of salt in excessive levels and over a period of time. Excessive amounts of salt can be found in many convenience foods, and children given large amounts of salt may have enhanced blood pressure.
If children consume too much food with excessive amounts of fat over a period of time, they may develop an elevation in both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Ultimately this will lead to organ failure which if not treated, could result ultimately in the death of the child or at best, adulthood plagued with illness and bad health. The problem will only increase if steps are not taken at the early stages as described.
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