It is always a good idea to check with your child’s physician, especially if there is a history of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure in your family history. Your question, however, is certainly appropriate, especially in light of recent studies. Researchers, working with children ages 3 through 18 years old, found that hypertension or high blood pressure is becoming much more common in children and adolescents.

High blood pressure in children is often undiagnosed and untreated, although blood pressure screening should be a routine part of a well child visit. A diagnosis for high blood pressure is more involved for a child or adolescent than for an adult. Readings must be taken over several visits and factors such as a child’s sex, age, height and weight must be included and reviewed. It is also important to ensure that the blood pressure cuff is sized correctly. Physicians may miss detecting a child’s high blood pressure, since what we generally consider obvious risk factors may not be present. Children who are not obese or too tall are the ones least likely to have their blood pressure taken at the time of a visit, yet they may have elevated rates of pressure. They may appear not to be at risk, but blood pressure should be routinely taken.

A visit to your physician, whether it is for you, a family member or a loved one, should also be a time for communication. Ask questions, take notes if necessary and become more informed. This is your time for a one-on-one session, when you can ask and learn. Your physician or nurse practitioner will appreciate your concern and interest. They are there to help make the diagnosis or recommendations more meaningful for you.

In my practice and my work, access to quality health care is key. Despite the many barriers some people face, communication is an obstacle we must overcome, whether it involves language and literacy concerns, cultural sensitivity or a fear of the system. Ask questions, do some research and ask your doctor.

“More than 1 million U.S. youngsters have undiagnosed high blood pressure, leaving them at risk for developing organ damage down the road.” In addition, at least 2 million children could experience elevated blood pressure or hypertension, yet they and their parents are not aware of this “silent killer.” (The Star Ledger-August 22, 2007)

SIDEBAR: American Heart Association data
Children with little or no exercise and poor nutrition are at also at risk. Fast foods and food high in fat and sodium (salt) are damaging to children, as well as adults. Preventive measures can help children live longer and a healthier life style can save lives. According to the American Heart Association on children and high blood pressure:

• Even young babies can have high blood pressure.
• All children from the age of 3 and older should have yearly blood pressure measurements
• Overweight children usually have higher blood pressure than those who are not overweight.
• Early detection of high blood pressure will improve health care of children.
• High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke in adulthood
• High blood pressure may be inherited from either or both parents
• African Americans have a more frequent incidence rate of high blood pressure and the condition is more severe than it is for Caucasian families (www.americanheart.org)