The level of blood pressure in a child is noticeably lower than in an adult. This is due to the good elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, the lumen of which is much wider, and the fact that the baby’s capillary network is larger. In children, the pressure rises gradually, significant changes are noticeable after the first year of life and by seven years.
The norm of blood pressure in children is:
- in newborns: 66-71 / 55/58;
- to the first year of life: 90–92 / 55–60;
- in adolescence: 100–140 / 70–90.
Closer to adulthood, it becomes the same as in adults.
In order for the blood pressure indicators to correspond to reality, you need to be able to measure it correctly. It is better to do this before lunch, an hour after active action. The child should be calm for several minutes, and the procedure itself must be repeated several times for accuracy.
The maintenance of normal blood pressure in the child is of great importance for the proper functioning of the whole organism. It provides the flow of oxygen and other nutrients into the blood.
Unfortunately, deviations are sometimes found. Pressure can be either elevated (hypertension) or decreased (hypotension). The causes of such changes at an early age are stresses, an unfavorable environmental situation, poor nutrition and excessive enthusiasm for the achievements of modern technology (when children spend a lot of time at a computer or TV).
Also, a change in blood pressure in a child may indicate the presence of other diseases. Therefore, parents should carefully monitor the health of their children. And at the first deviations, immediately show the baby to the doctor who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Hypertension in childhood, in contrast to hypotension, is much more common. High blood pressure is often found in children who are prone to overweight. There are two forms of hypertension :
- primary, without visible appearances;
- Secondary, when disruptions of the internal organs of the child begin.
In the first case, changes in blood pressure are more common in schoolchildren. It is associated with an individual reaction to various stimuli, which can be different emotions, the presence or, conversely, the complete absence of physical activity. Hypertension can also be hereditary.
Usually, with a rise in blood pressure in a child, he feels well, therefore, as a rule, complaints from him are not received.
Parents, in order to help the child, need to rebuild their daily routine in order to minimize the influence of adverse factors. Also, do not forget about proper nutrition (it is important - less salt food!), And sports.
Hypotension usually has a temporary character and often appears after suffering a serious illness. It is accompanied by the following symptoms: fatigue, general weakness, headaches, excessive sweating during exercise.
If the examination did not reveal serious diseases, then you can increase blood pressure by a gradual increase in physical activity. A cup of coffee also helps, but don't get carried away with it. Medicines are used in the presence of headaches and only as directed by a doctor.