Causes and risk factors:
The causes of high blood pressure varies as per the age of the child. In most of the cases high blood pressure is inherited. The exact cause for this is not known. This type of hypertension is known as primary hypertension. Hypertension occurring in children due to some underlying pathology is called as secondary hypertension. This type of hypertension is more commonly seen in children. Obesity, congenital defect of the heart (coarctation of aorta, Valvular heart diseases) tumors of the adrenal gland and abnormalities of kidney (renal parenchyma diseases, renal vascular diseases) contribute to the causation.Lifestyle habits is also the contributing factor for developing HTN in today era. Over eating, eating junk food and lack of physical exercises or activity in children leads to increase in weight thus increasing the chances of high blood pressure.
Clinical presentations:
HTN in children usually do not cause any signs and symptoms the child remains asymptomatic. In majority of cases it is accidentally diagnosed. At times the child can complain of headache fainting spells or some ophthalmic complaints like inability to see things clearly. If hypertension is caused due to some underlying causes. In later stages convulsion can occur. Left ventricular failure is one of the most common complications of secondary hypertension in children. Various other complaints can also be seen.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Symptoms narrated by the parents along with examination carried out by the doctor will help in confirming the diagnosis. Monitoring of the blood pressure is diagnostic. A persistent high level of blood pressure measures at least 3 days consecutively is necessary. The blood pressure is monitored with the help of an instrument sphygmomanometer. A digital recording machines are easily available at the counters. An ophthalmic examination needs to be carried out. If the doctor suspects any underlying pathology certain investigations like Routine blood test, urine analysis, blood sugar levels, lipid profile, ECG, 2D Echo, kidney and liver function test can be advised.
Treatment:
Change is lifestyle is necessary. Having healthy food, regular exercises and limiting the intake of sodium are the essential steps which needs to be adopted. In cases of obesity, weight reduction is necessary. Regular monitoring of the blood pressure is must. Anti hypertensive medications can be started. In cases of underlying causes correction is must to control the levels of blood pressure.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating hypertension. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Recent update:
The recent studies have shown that the prevalence of hypertension in children in increasing.
