Blood pressure in children can be completely different depending on age. So, for example, in a newborn baby, these indicators are approximately 80 to 50 mm. Hg. Art. Then, in the process of growth and maturation of the child, the pressure in children increases, and at the age of 14 years is fixed in the area of 100 by 70 or 120 by 80 mm. Hg. Art.
The measurement procedure is extremely important, therefore, it must be performed correctly. To measure blood pressure in children, it is necessary to select the correct cuffs, which should occupy 3/4 of the distance from the elbow to the armpits of the baby. They measure pressure with different instruments - both automatic, semi-automatic, and conventional.
During this procedure, the baby should lie quietly or sit. The child’s shoulder should be bare to secure the cuff. They lay it in such a way that the finger enters between the skin and the cuff itself, then the brachial artery is found in the elbow bend and a phonendoscope is applied, so that it is tight, but at the same time without pressure. With a balloon, air is pumped until the pulse sounds disappear. Then slowly open the cylinder valve and reduce the pressure in the cuff until the pulse sounds are heard again. The pressure gauge will show the numbers characterizing the pressure in children. When there will be a further drop in blood pressure, the tones will gradually disappear, at this point the lower diastolic pressure will be shown.
Normal values can be calculated by the formula. In this case, it is necessary to multiply the baby's age (in years) by two and then add 80.
So, high blood pressure in children indicates the formation of hypertension. In Russia, adolescents are particularly affected by this disease, according to the results of studies it was revealed that most of them are boys, almost 9% of high school students. Hypertension also affects girls, more than three percent of them. If high pressure occurs in your child, you need to start an examination in the clinic. The hospital will carry out the necessary sessions - they will examine the fundus, conduct a urinalysis and identify the cause of the increased pressure.
Hypertension can occur for various reasons - because of the child’s overweight, lack of physical activity, passive or active smoking, and also because children consume salt a lot. To beware of this disease, you must:
- limit the amount of salt;
- reduce weight, as this helps to lower blood pressure in children and adults;
- determine the rational diet;
- do not force the baby to eat up after itself, reduce its appetite;
- eat less fat - sour cream, cottage cheese, butter, sausage, meat and cheese;
- eat more vegetables, legumes, fruits, gray cereals and corn;
- organize for your child an active image every day for an hour - it can be dancing, swimming, walking at a fast pace, cycling or outdoor games.
Reduced pressure in children, on the contrary, manifests itself more in girls, in most cases - in adolescents, which leads to weakening of physical and mental performance. The child may not complain about his condition, but may begin to lag behind his peers during the lessons. In this case, adolescents suffering from low blood pressure, it is difficult to cope with the requirements that make teachers. If parents or teachers notice a decrease in activity in children, then they must be shown to a doctor who, first of all, will measure the pressure. After the indications are determined, you can prescribe medication, with the help of a diet or rest. But in any case, only a professional can determine this.