Treating high blood pressure in children

Children who have high blood pressure often continue to have high blood pressure as adults. Children ages 3 and over should have their blood pressure monitored regularly during routine physical examinations.1

High blood pressure in children is rare but needs to be evaluated to find treatable causes. When a child has high blood pressure, it is more likely to be from a secondary cause—like a disease—than when an adult has high blood pressure.

High blood pressure in children should be treated with lifestyle changes and medicine if necessary. A child with secondary high blood pressure also requires medicine.1 The risk of secondary high blood pressure is higher in children than adults.



Author: Carrie Henley
Robin Parks, MS
Last Updated: July 30, 2007
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition

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