Lately Pediatricians are increasingly encountering problems in children. The standard indicators of the tonometer depend on the gender, height and age of the patient.
The measurement technique also influences the diagnostic result. For example, in a lying position a little higher and lower than in a standing position.
Why does it occur high pressure in a child who is at risk, the main symptoms of the disease, features of its treatment and prevention - the article will tell you about all this.
Pressure changes are often observed in boys from 11 to 13 and in girls from 10 to 12 years. This is explained physiological characteristics body during puberty.
IN adolescence an increase in systolic values up to 120 mm Hg is permissible. But it happens that during this period the tonometer shows too high numbers.
It is worth noting that many risk factors can be successfully controlled and significantly reduced. It is enough to change your lifestyle and regularly carry out the prevention of pathology.
According to statistics, boys are more susceptible to hypertension than girls. Children at risk include:
- with excess body weight;
- who eat incorrectly (salty foods predominate in the diet);
- leading an inactive lifestyle;
- premature;
- those born in late and difficult labor;
- taking medications whose list of side effects includes hypertension;
- born from mixed marriages. Such children are susceptible to juvenile forms of hypertension;
- with heart disease, renal pathologies, hormonal disorders;
- . If only mom or dad is sick, the risk of inheriting the pathology by the offspring is 30%; if both parents are sick, then the probability increases to 50%.
The health of a baby who is at risk must be constantly monitored. It is recommended to regularly visit a pediatrician for a preventive examination and diagnosis of pathology.
Symptoms of hypertension
In infants, a common sign of hypertension is shortness of breath, which worsens during lactation. There is also a slight weight gain and developmental delay.
Babies tend to have high blood pressure painful symptoms does not appear. Preschoolers and schoolchildren who have hypertension often complain of feeling unwell.
As a rule, the following signs are present when hypertension develops:
- drowsiness;
- hand trembling;
- vomit;
- decreased clarity of vision;
- deterioration in memorization of new material.
Children with high blood pressure are subject to frequent mood swings, are easily irritated, and can be aggressive or whiny.
At general examination The doctor notes the symptoms:
- tachycardia;
- moon-shaped face;
- coffee-milk shade of the skin;
- there are wing-shaped folds on the neck;
- skin warm and moist;
- strengthening tendon reflexes.
Systemic examination shows the following signs of hypertension:
- epigastric murmurs;
- altered retinal arteries
- murmurs in the costovertebral angle
- volumetric formations in the abdominal area.
Disease in neglected form capable of causing severe complications. Therefore, if the above symptoms of hypertension are repeated frequently, you should contact your pediatrician and undergo treatment.
Diagnostics
For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to correctly determine pressure readings. It is not always possible to detect deviations from the norm with a one-time measurement in a doctor’s office or at home.
It should be taken into account that in children it is sometimes observed that the pressure rises only when it is measured by a doctor. The reason is emotionality: many kids are afraid of doctors and the procedures performed by doctors.
Outwardly, the child may appear calm (not screaming or crying), but the internal experience will be strong. A similar phenomenon is observed in 20% of children. The pediatrician must take this fact into account.
There is also an invasive research method.
It is characterized by traumaticity and pain.
But at the same time it is the most accurate. The idea is that a needle with a pressure gauge is inserted into the vessel, which directly measures the pressure in the blood.
For diagnostics at home, special tonometers are used (). Also used. This method is sensitive to many factors.
The results obtained depend on the width and length of the cuff. The doctor has a set of cuffs in his office that are used for children of different ages.
To obtain the most accurate data, you need to measure pressure with a tonometer in comfortable conditions, after a five-minute rest. Measurements are taken twice: on the right and left hand. The larger number is taken into account.
How to treat?
High blood pressure is not primary disease, but a manifestation of pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the disease that provoked the high tonometer numbers.
You can take pills that eliminate the symptoms of hypertension. But their effect does not last long. In this case, the existing disease will progress.
For vegetative-vascular dystonia hypertensive type children are prescribed sedative therapy drugs:
- Bromine s;
- Seduxen;
- Elenium.
If only systolic pressure increases, then pediatricians prescribe Obzidan, Inderal. Taking these medications reduces systolic output and decreases blood pressure monitor readings.
With elevated systolic and diastolic values, doctors prescribe:
- Rauvazan;
- Reserpine.
Raunatin tablets
Recently, hypertension in children began to be treated (Cordarone,), (,). Last group medications are indicated for pathologies of renal origin.
The dosage of each drug is selected individually. This takes into account the patient’s condition, sensitivity to active ingredients facilities.
ethnoscience
There are many proprietary methods that are aimed at getting rid of the disease without pharmaceutical drugs.
The method of Strelnikov I.V. is popular on the Internet. Cardiologists are skeptical about this treatment.
He is highly respected. According to parents' reviews, the first five exercises are especially effective: Pump, Palms, Cat, Shoulders, Hug your shoulders.
During one lesson, the child takes about 500 breaths and movements that train the cardiovascular system. offers treatment for high blood pressure with plain water. To do this, you need to take the liquid into a glass in the evening and place it near the bed.
In the morning, when you wake up, stretch and massage your head. Then pour water from one container to another 30 times, holding both high above your head. Then drink the contents of the vessel in small sips. This procedure is repeated daily for a month.
There are many more unconventional ways to combat hypertension on the Internet. But their effectiveness is questionable. Therefore, it is better to seek help from pediatricians who will select an effective treatment regimen.
Prevention measures
Prevention of high blood pressure consists of a day.
It is useful to play sports. Prolonged sleep is indicated. If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
A child who is at risk should undergo regular preventive examinations.
Video on the topic
About the norms and causes of increased blood pressure in children in the video:
Thus, the child’s blood pressure may rise according to various reasons. Sometimes it's just plain overwork. But if the tonometer often shows high numbers, you should contact your pediatrician. Prolonged hypertension negatively affects the functioning of many organs and systems and threatens heart attack and stroke. Self-medication is fraught with worsening of the condition.
One of the indicators of heart function is the level blood pressure. Each age has its own standards. A change in this indicator indicates a problem in the body and requires treatment.
What it is?
The heart pumps blood constantly. This work ensures uninterrupted supply nutrients and oxygen to internal organs. Blood moving through the vessels causes their tension. This process is called blood pressure (BP).
Diameter and size blood vessels changes with age. This feature is associated with a decrease in the plasticity and tone of the arteries and veins. These indicators affect the initial norms of blood pressure in different age groups. There are no pronounced differences in this parameter among one-year-old children, boys and girls.
This indicator is quite stable and should not fluctuate greatly during the day. Any deviations from the norm require attention and identification of the cause that could cause such a violation. Frequent fluctuations in blood pressure can lead to various heart and vascular diseases.
The indicator is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Usually only two blood pressure indicators are analyzed - systolic and diastolic. In some cases, the pulse is also recorded.
Normal blood pressure indicators are summarized in various tables, which were developed taking into account mass examinations of children of different ages. To compile them, surveys are carried out on a large number of children of the same sex and age. Such centile tables make it possible to determine the norms of a given indicator in each specific age group. Blood pressure is measured at the brachial artery.
During the day, this indicator of heart function may change. In hot weather, during intense physical activity, or after a strong psycho-emotional experience, blood pressure numbers can deviate significantly from the norm.
Kinds
To assess heart function, doctors use several indicators that can be calculated by knowing baseline baby's blood pressure. Analysis of these parameters helps cardiologists determine the disease and even determine how severe the disease of the heart or blood vessels may be.
Why it is important to know your child's blood pressure can be found in the following video.
There are several types of blood pressure:
Systolic. Shows the work of the heart during the period of active contraction. When listening to tones during pressure measurements, it appears as the first sound that is heard in the phonendoscope.
Diastolic. Characterizes the work of the heart during diastole - relaxation. When measuring pressure, it appears as the last, clearly audible sound.
Hearty. Arithmetic difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. Together with other indicators, it gives an idea of the work of the heart, as well as how well it pushes blood through the vessels.
Algorithm and measurement technique
In order to determine the child's blood pressure, you need to use special device- tonometer. The modern pharmaceutical industry offers a huge range of such measuring devices. They can be fully automatic or semi-automatic.
To measure your child's blood pressure at home, use the following algorithm actions:
Measure the indicator in the morning or before bed.
Starting position - sitting. Legs should be bent at the knees, feet approximately at the same level. In newborns and infants, blood pressure is measured while lying down.
Place the cuff 1-2 cm above the cubital fossa. The mother's finger should fit freely between the baby's skin and the cuff. Do not try to put the cuff too tightly on your arm! Severe pressure may make the child afraid and painful during the measurement.
For an automatic device, just press the power button. The device will start measuring itself.
If the device is not automatic, then first place the phonendoscope in the area of the cubital fossa. The skin in this area is very thin, and the pulse can be easily heard here. Inflate the tonometer bulb until the pulsation stops completely.
Unscrew the valve on the bulb and slowly release the air. The appearance of the first clearly audible sound is systolic or upper pressure. Listen to the pulsation until the sounds disappear completely. The last of these is the diastolic pressure indicator. It is also called inferior.
Carefully release all the air from the bulb and remove the cuff from the baby's arm.
It is best to measure blood pressure when the baby is calm. You can do this after waking up or before going to bed. This indicator should not be measured immediately after eating or active movements. In this case increased level pressure will not be an accurate indicator of how the heart is working normally.
Keep a diary in which all the indicators of your child’s blood pressure measurements will be entered. Record systolic and diastolic pressure. If the tonometer is automatic and includes pulse counting, then record this indicator in your diary. Keeping such records will help the attending physician or cardiologist evaluate the functioning of the heart and blood vessels more efficiently.
To get more exact result It is better to measure blood pressure three times. Before each subsequent determination of the indicator, a 5-7 minute break is taken. The obtained values are summed up and the average is calculated. Calculations are carried out separately for systolic and diastolic pressure. Average arithmetic value- this is the most accurate indicator.
Is it possible to measure with an adult tonometer?
Children of different ages have their own children's cuffs. They are smaller in diameter and fit well around a child's hand.
It is not advisable to use adult cuffs for measurements. They are usually too large for children and do not provide reliable results.
Measuring with adult cuffs will only cause severe pain in the baby, but will not be informative. For teenagers from 14 years of age, teenage cuffs are used. They can also be used in children more early age. If the child is overweight or has diabetes, then the teenage cuff can be used from the age of 8 years.
The thickness of the inner chamber of the cuff in babies in the first days after birth should be three centimeters, and in children under one year old - five. During active movements or crying, the child may have increased blood pressure. It is better to measure indicators during complete calm.
Table by age
Blood pressure readings change as the child grows. In preschool age, given the small diameter of blood vessels and excellent elasticity, this figure is comparatively lower than in adolescents.
Blood pressure norms for children at different ages are presented in the following table:
These figures are indicative. Each identified single deviation from the norm does not indicate that the baby has heart or vascular disease. To establish a diagnosis, additional examination methods, and not just measuring blood pressure.
In children from 7 years of age, there is a slight increase in blood pressure. This is due to the increasing mental stress at school. A new environment and stress lead to an increase in initial normal level this indicator.
This condition cannot be interpreted as a disease. It usually goes away after some time, after the child adapts to new conditions.
What causes the increase?
There are many reasons that lead to increased blood pressure. Each child's age has its own. In some cases, high blood pressure may be the result of the influence of several provoking causes at the same time. This indicator changes not only with heart disease.
A persistent increase in blood pressure is called hypertension.
The most common cause of this condition in a child is following reasons:
Damage to the renal vessels leading to the development of secondary renal hypertension. May be congenital or acquired as a result various diseases kidney Usually cause an increase in systolic blood pressure. Difficult to treat.
Kidney diseases. These include: traumatic injuries, oncological pathologies, disorders anatomical structure, dysplasia. Causes predominantly an increase in diastolic pressure.
Heart diseases: defects in the structure of the valvular heart apparatus, birth defects development, disturbances of rhythm and conductivity of the myocardium.
Endocrine pathologies. Crohn's disease or tumors parathyroid glands. As a result of these diseases, metabolic disorders occur. Biologically active substances and hormones begin to be produced in large quantities, which lead to a strong narrowing of blood vessels. This condition causes an increase in blood pressure.
Long-term use of pills and medicines. Hormonal agents and sympathomimetics often lead to the development of arterial hypertension.
Bad habits. Teenagers who start smoking often suffer from hypertension.
G genetic predisposition. In families where one parent has high blood pressure, the risk of having a child with hypertension is 25%.
Increased pressure occurs not only with pathologies. In some cases it increases after normal life situations. For example, severe stress or overwork at school can cause increased blood pressure. In boys, from the age of 11, the level of blood pressure begins to exceed the corresponding indicators of girls their peers by 4-5 mm. rt. Art.
A child who does not play sports or exercise regularly also has a high risk of developing hypertension. Running too fast or exercising too intensely can cause your child's blood pressure to rise. This occurs due to weak tone of blood vessels.
High blood pressure can manifest itself in different ways. Usually the child feels headache and fatigue. It is quite difficult for a student suffering from arterial hypertension to concentrate on the subject at school. After only 2-3 lessons he feels overwhelmed and unable to comprehend the educational material.
To others characteristic symptom high blood pressure is dizziness or flashing spots before the eyes. This condition does not last long. The dizziness usually goes away within a few minutes. If there is a persistent increase in blood pressure, it may not disappear within a couple of hours.
Very high blood pressure can even cause vomiting. Usually it is short-term and does not depend on food intake. This symptom is quite rare, but requires urgent medical attention. If vomiting occurs, one should suspect not only high blood pressure, but also an increase.
What causes the decline?
Low blood pressure is called arterial hypotension. This condition occurs in infants and toddlers at different ages. As the child grows, the pressure level should increase. If this does not happen, then this is a good reason to see a doctor.
The most common reasons that cause arterial hypotension are the following:
Exhaustion after severe and frequent respiratory infections.
Severe stress.
Poor and insufficient nutrition.
Diseases thyroid gland. Reduced levels of thyroid hormones cause disturbances in vascular tone. This condition leads to the development of low blood pressure. Only treatment of the thyroid gland helps to normalize the condition.
Brain injuries and tumors. The center of blood circulation is located in the cortex. When it is damaged, there is a violation of coordination in the work and tone of blood vessels. Such conditions can lead to the development of a persistent decrease in blood pressure.
Diseases endocrine system. Metabolic disorders lead to changes in the elasticity and tone of the arteries.
A decrease in blood pressure in a child is a reason to examine the baby more carefully. Many chronic diseases, which can be quite dangerous, cause persistent hypotension. Normalizing blood pressure in such situations is possible only with proper treatment of the underlying disease that caused this state.
Hypotension is also not an independent disease. It is just a symptom that occurs in various conditions. Even simple stress or severe overwork can cause a decrease in blood pressure in a baby.
Hypotension is also common during adolescence in girls who begin to copy adult behavior. Excessive predilection for thinness and harmony can cause anorexia in a girl. This condition is often accompanied by a persistent decrease in blood pressure, which is difficult to normalize even with medication.
Reduced blood pressure manifests itself as a disturbance in general well-being. Usually the child becomes more lethargic. Students cannot concentrate while studying. Younger children begin to be capricious, become slower and more inhibited. With a significant decrease in blood pressure, a headache may appear.
How to lower blood pressure?
To normalize blood pressure, several in various ways. In the presence of persistent hypertension, doctors prescribe a whole range of therapeutic methods. This system allows you to reduce pressure and maintain it at the proper level for many years.
To eliminate arterial hypertension, use:
When choosing them, preference should be given to the individual characteristics of the child and his interests should be taken into account. Almost all types of physical activity are suitable to normalize blood pressure. They should be performed regularly.
Nutritious nutrition, taking into account age. Insufficient supply of all necessary elements and vitamins leads to a child’s lag in physical development, as well as a decrease in the tone of blood vessels. The baby should eat at least 5-6 times a day.
Strengthening the immune system. Frequent colds and infectious diseases lead to persistent hypotension. Regular walks in the fresh air and good food will help the child strengthen his immune system and get sick less.
Strong tea or cocoa. For teenagers - coffee. During an attack of severe low blood pressure, you should offer your child these drinks. They contain caffeine, which increases blood pressure. If a child has arrhythmia, then coffee is contraindicated for him.
Use of adaptogens. You can use eleutherococcus, lemongrass infusion or ginseng. The use of these medications may cause an allergic reaction. Before use, the child should be shown to a doctor to rule out possible contraindications.
Massage. Usually carried out in a stimulating mode. Helps normalize vascular tone. Prescribed in a course of 10-12 procedures 2 times a year.
Various physiotherapeutic techniques. Perfect fit cold and hot shower or underwater massage. These methods normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous system. Usually after 8-12 sessions, blood pressure normalizes.
Caffeine-based medications. Prescribed by a cardiologist. Do not use in children suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. Such medications cannot be used for arrhythmia.
Correct daily routine. Getting up in the morning at the same time helps normalize the tone of blood vessels and normalize blood pressure.
Full sleep. At night, the baby should sleep at least 8-9 hours. Kids preschool age should also rest during the day. Usually on nap 2-3 hours are allotted.
Complete nutrition with reduced amounts of table salt. It contains sodium. When received in large quantities, it can cause severe spasm and constriction of blood vessels. This leads to increased pressure. Limiting salt and all canned and pickled foods has a beneficial effect on blood pressure levels.
Taking medications. Diuretics, antispasmodics, ACE inhibitors, as well as blockers calcium channels. The selection of the drug is made taking into account the underlying disease that caused the increase in pressure. For kidney diseases, potassium supplements are used.
Optimal training regimen. Loads in sports sections or when playing sports for a child with arterial hypertension, should be strictly dosed and not excessive. Overwork should not be allowed. This condition quite often leads to increased blood pressure.
Reducing stress and psycho-emotional stress. Neurotic conditions often lead to the development of arterial hypertension in children. Heavy loads at school, which the child copes poorly with, also contribute to increased blood pressure.
Walking on fresh air.
A large amount of oxygen has a positive effect on the tone of blood vessels and eliminates spasms. Walking at a moderate pace for at least an hour a day helps normalize blood pressure.
How to increase blood pressure?
Before taking measures to increase blood pressure, you should show your child to a cardiologist. Often, behind the mask of arterial hypotension, many diseases are hidden that require preliminary treatment. Without eliminating the cause that caused the persistent decrease in pressure, it will not be possible to normalize it.
To cope with the symptoms of hypotension, you can use the following methods:
Who to contact?
If measuring a child’s blood pressure reveals a deviation from the norm, it should be shown to a pediatrician or cardiologist. Any changes in this important indicator may indicate problems in the functioning of the heart or internal organs.
To conduct the examination, doctors may prescribe additional examinations. These include Holter blood pressure measurement. Using a special device that is placed on the child, heart parameters are monitored for a full day. This study allows you to more accurately establish a diagnosis and identify the cause of deviations in blood pressure.
Heart problems can be very dangerous consequences. Monitoring blood pressure levels must be carried out in children at any age. This will allow you to identify the first symptoms in time and begin treatment in a timely manner.
Blood pressure indicators are a reflection of a person’s health status. However, using a tonometer in Everyday life does not occur to all of us.
Often the need for this device occurs only when problems arise with the cardiovascular system. It is obvious that mature and elderly people are at risk. However, low or high blood pressure is increasingly common in children of different ages. Reduce the risk of future occurrence serious complications will allow close monitoring of the child’s health status. The table of blood pressure norms for children given in this article will help parents with this.
A little theory
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels. It stands out the most important indicator functional state body. Pressure is a variable value that depends on the phase of the heart. At the moment of its contraction and the release of a new portion of blood into the vessels, it increases and reaches its maximum level. This pressure is called systolic or upper. There is also a lower limit, which is called diastolic. It is achieved at the moment the heart relaxes and fills with blood. During these periods, the pressure in the arteries weakens. The indicators obtained during the measurement process are written as a fraction. The first one is put upper limit, the second is the lower one (for example, 120/80).
Blood pressure can tell a lot about the state of a person’s cardiovascular system. In healthy people, the indicators are relatively stable. Of course, minor fluctuations during the day are acceptable, which are caused by stress, physical activity and other factors. However, they should not exceed 20 units for systolic pressure and 10 for diastolic pressure. More serious spikes are a warning sign. There are WHO standards according to which adult blood pressure healthy person should be 110-130 mmHg. Art. for the upper border and 65-80 mm for the lower border. The same indicators are typical for adolescents aged 15 years and older.
As for children, they are characterized by lower blood pressure. This is explained by the degree of elasticity of the vascular walls, which decreases with age. Therefore, if for newborn babies normal pressure set at 80/50 mm Hg. Art., then by the age of 14 it increases to 120/70 mm. And such changes are quite natural.
Todorova Oksana Viktorovna, pediatric cardiologist family medical center: “Measuring blood pressure in children has its own characteristics, which consist mainly in the correct selection of cuffs. The use of cuffs for adults leads to incorrect results, especially in young children. Correct readings will be reflected only if the “sleeve” occupies ¾ of the distance from the child’s armpit to his elbow. One finger should fit between the cuff and the hand.”
Pressure standards by year
The following table will help determine blood pressure standards by age:
| Age |
Systolic |
Diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| min | max | min |
min |
|
| up to 2 weeks | 60 | 96 | 40 | 50 |
| 2-4 weeks | 80 | 112 | 40 | 74 |
| 2-12 months | 90 | 112 | 50 | 74 |
| 2-3 years | 100 | 112 | 60 | 74 |
| 3-5 years | 100 | 116 | 60 | 76 |
| 6-9 years | 100 | 122 | 60 | 78 |
| 10-12 years | 110 | 126 | 70 | 82 |
| 13-15 years old | 110 | 136 | 70 | 86 |
There are special formulas for self-determination blood pressure norms in children of different ages.
So, for babies up to a year, this formula looks like this:
76+2n, where n is the number of months lived by the baby.
This determines the upper limit of pressure in a child under one year old. The lower limit is ½ - 2/3 of the obtained value.
For example, the normal systolic pressure for a three-month-old baby, according to the formula, should be 82 mmHg. Art. (76+2x3). Accordingly, the lower limit can range from 41 (82:2) to 54 (82-82:3).
For children from one year old the formula looks a little different:
90+2n, where n is the number of full years. You can also calculate the maximum permissible pressure fluctuations.
To determine the maximum value upper pressure, you should use the formula 105 + 2n, and the minimum: 75 + 2n. Thus, according to the calculation results, the normal systolic pressure of a nine-year-old child is 110 mmHg. Art. During the day it can increase to 125 mm and decrease to 93 mm.
Diastolic pressure is calculated using the formula 60+n. Maximum and minimum values: 75+n and 45+n. For nine year old child The normal lower limit of pressure is 69 mmHg. Art. with maximum permissible fluctuations from 54 to 84 mm. Putting the picture together, we can conclude that ideal indicators for a schoolchild at this age are set at 110/70 mmHg. Art.
Deviations from norms
Any alarming or significant event for a child can affect his blood pressure, both up and down. Such episodic fluctuations, which disappear when the irritating factor is neutralized, are quite normal. However, if high or low blood pressure persists for several weeks, it is necessary to look for the cause of such a failure. As a rule, doctors in this case give a referral for an ultrasound scan of the kidneys and collect family history to identify the prerequisites for the problem. Of primary importance in in this case have nervous and cardiovascular diseases, system and endocrine disorders, kidney disease. If close relatives have these ailments, it is necessary to notify the doctor. It would also be a good idea to monitor the child’s blood pressure using a special sensor that records changes throughout the day.
A sharp drop in pressure in a child can lead to metabolic disorders, liver, kidney and other vital organs. Hypotonic children often complain of headaches, general weakness and fatigue, and dizziness with a sudden change in body position. In this case, it is necessary to conduct examinations to identify disturbances in the functioning of the heart. If none are found, the child should be hardened and introduced to sports. Drinking coffee helps increase blood pressure in children. Drug treatment It is prescribed only for headaches.
Alena, mother of eleven-year-old Dmitry: “Six months ago, my son began to suffer from low blood pressure(dropped to 75/30). He had no special complaints, only general weakness and fatigue. We turned to a specialist for help. After the examination, the doctor said that everything was fine with the heart. He advised us to strengthen blood vessels with the help of water treatments, consume as much liquid and fruit as possible, and reduce stress levels. We signed up our son for swimming, introduced a contrast shower, created the most calm and friendly environment at home, and purchased a blood pressure monitor to constantly monitor his blood pressure. Now, six months later, I can say that all indicators are normal. The blood pressure has stabilized and my health has improved. The child acquired a favorite hobby, began to eat healthy and balanced, and got sick less. Thank you very much for all this a good specialist, who did not stuff us with pills, but gave valuable recommendations.”
A sharp upward jump in pressure serves to further alarming symptom and requires an immediate response from parents. It may be an individual reaction of the body to irritating factors. A compress on the heels with apple or table vinegar helps to quickly reduce pressure. Positive effect Products such as watermelons, black currants and baked potatoes in their skins also have benefits.
Thus, due to the elasticity of the blood vessels, children have lower blood pressure. It may change slightly during the day under the influence of various factors. However, serious fluctuations in blood pressure observed over several weeks should be a reason to contact a specialist and conduct a medical examination.
Knowing what the normal blood pressure is in children and adolescents helps parents understand in a timely manner that something is wrong with their child. Significant deviations from standard age indicators often indicate serious problems with the body. Whether it is worth worrying about this or not, the doctor will tell you after a full examination of the young patient.
Parents should measure their children's blood pressure from time to time. It is also advisable to always keep a table at hand that shows the normal blood pressure by age. Comparison of current indicators and values that are typical for healthy child, will tell a lot about their condition.
Up to 1 year
Infants often experience low blood pressure. This is due to the peculiarities of the development of the capillary network and the elasticity of blood vessels. Typically, in babies under 1 year of age, blood pressure does not go beyond values from 60 to 40 to 96 to 50 mm Hg. Art. These figures increase slightly by the time the child reaches one month of age. In the future, blood pressure will continue to rise. Its values by 12 months will depend on the development of the baby and his fatness. Usually the pressure by this time is 80 to 112 mm Hg. Art. This increase is directly related to an increase in vascular tone.
Any young mother can understand without the help of a doctor whether her child’s blood pressure is normal. To do this, it is enough to know the special formula - 76 + 2 n. The value n refers to the number of months that have passed since the birth of the baby.
If parents do not want to bother with constant calculations, they can simply compare the current pressure measurements with the values contained in the table that determines the blood pressure norm.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the measurements not matching age indicators, which are indicated in the table. High or low blood pressure in a child under 1 year of age does not always indicate illness. This parameter is influenced by many factors, including the weather and whether the child slept well. If abnormal pressure persists for a long time, then you should tell your doctor about it at your next examination.
In children, many indicators are still unstable, including blood pressure
From 2 to 3 years
By the second year of life, the child’s normal blood pressure rises to 112 to 74 mm Hg. Art. It stops growing at the same rate as before and becomes more stable. If in children under 3 years of age the blood pressure is much higher than normal, but this phenomenon was noticed once, then there is no reason to worry. Things are different when it remains at this level for 3 or more weeks.
From 3 to 5 years
In children 3-4 years of age, the dynamics of pressure increase is slow. Typically, systolic blood pressure at this age does not fall below 100 mmHg. Art. and rises only to 116 mm Hg. Art. Diastolic pressure remains at the level of 60-76 mm Hg. Art.
It is worth paying attention to one feature that can be noticed in children under five years of age. Blood pressure readings in a child of this age may differ at different periods of time. Such fluctuations are considered quite normal. Blood pressure usually reaches its maximum values during the daytime and evening hours. At night they become minimal.
From 6 to 9 years
The minimum blood pressure value in children 6-7 years old remains the same. This applies to both the upper and lower indicators. Special changes should not be observed in a child 8 years old and 9 years old. For them, normal pressure is within the range of 122 to 78 mmHg. Art.
Sometimes slight changes in blood pressure and pulse may be observed in children of this age. This is explained as follows:
- Decreased physical activity;
- Feelings about going to school;
- Increased emotional stress.
It is advisable for parents to monitor their child's blood pressure if he often complains of headaches at the end of the day and appears very tired.
If a junior student is lethargic and complains of a headache, you need to check his blood pressure
From 10 to 12 years
In a 10-11 year old child, the process of puberty begins in the body. Against this background, significant changes may appear that also affect blood pressure. Most often, girls complain of symptoms of high or low blood pressure at the age of 10-12 years, as they begin to mature faster.
The normal blood pressure in children aged 10-12 years is characterized by values of 126 to 82 mm Hg. Art. This is the maximum value that is normal for a child of this age.
The child's current blood pressure values do not always correspond to the average norm. Differences can be observed in girls and boys who are too thin or, on the contrary, have a dense physique. Growth has an equally important impact. As a rule, in tall and thin children, blood pressure is always slightly lower.
From 13 to 15 years
It is very difficult to understand whether a 14-year-old teenager has normal blood pressure. This is because at this age, starting from 13 years old, children are constantly under stress. So it is common for them to have higher or low performance systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Their level will be influenced by the following factors:
- Spending a long time in front of a computer monitor;
- Hormonal changes in the body;
- High stress associated with studies.
If a teenager 13-15 years old does not have health problems, then his pressure will range from 110 to 70 mm Hg. Art. and up to 136 at 86 mHg. Art. Girls and boys at this age may complain of rapid heartbeat and pulse, headaches, and periodic dizziness. If such conditions bother a teenager regularly, he should see a specialist. Usually this ailment goes away on its own after some time.
Hormonal changes and stress provoke pressure surges in adolescents
It wouldn’t hurt for parents to print out a reminder in the form of a table that shows blood pressure norms for children of different ages.
|
Child's age |
Pressure (mmHg) | |||
| Systolic | Diastolic | |||
| Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| Up to 2 weeks | 60 | 96 | 40 | 50 |
| 2 to 4 weeks | 80 | 112 | 40 | 74 |
| Up to 1 year | 90 | 112 | 50 | 74 |
| From 2 to 3 years | 100 | 112 | 60 | 74 |
| From 4 to 5 years | 100 | 116 | 60 | 76 |
| From 6 to 9 years | 100 | 122 | 60 | 78 |
| From 10 to 12 years | 110 | 126 | 70 | 82 |
| From 13 to 15 years | 110 | 136 | 70 | 86 |
Having this table at hand, mothers will not have to look in reference books every time for the answer to the question of whether their child’s blood pressure is normal.
Sex differences
Blood pressure values in adolescents and children are more than younger age may depend on their gender. So you need to take into account the following nuances:
- From the first days of life until 12 months, boys and girls have the same pressure levels;
- By the age of 3-4 years, there is a significant difference between blood pressure in children of different sexes. In girls it increases;
- By the age of five, blood pressure levels become equal;
- From 5 to 10 years, girls again experience higher blood pressure than boys;
- After 10 years high values Boys have BP. Girls are no longer leaders in this regard. This trend usually continues until age 16.
If you do not take into account gender differences, you can make a mistake when deciding whether the current pressure of a girl or a boy is normal.
How to measure correctly
To understand what pressure a child has, it is necessary to measure it correctly. Measurements must be taken at a time when the baby is in a calm state. This is a mandatory condition that will allow you to get the most reliable result. It is recommended to carry out this procedure in the morning. At least 1 hour before measuring blood pressure, you should not give your child caffeine-containing products, as they affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
It is necessary to ensure that the child is not excited or frightened
To measure the pressure of a child 10 years old, younger or older, you can use a regular phonendoscope or an electronic tonometer. Don’t forget to first look at what the blood pressure norm should be in a particular case.
If you need to regularly measure blood pressure for children, it is recommended to purchase special cuffs in advance. Those intended for adults may have a negative effect on final result measurements. Make sure that the lower edge of the cuff is located no higher than 3 cm from the cubital fossa area.
If the child is under 2 years old, it is best for him to take measurements in a supine position. Older children are allowed to carry out the procedure while they are sitting. To get the maximum reliable result, doctors advise taking measurements over several days. The entire procedure should take place over a full minute, not just a few seconds.
Sometimes increased values BP in young children is explained by their fear of the procedure. Therefore, it is very important to first explain to the baby that there is nothing terrible in this. You should also focus on one more point. It is imperative to reassure the child and let him understand that after measuring the pressure with a tonometer, he will not have to undergo treatment. After all, this is what makes children worry the most.
Before starting the procedure, you need to put a suitable cuff on the child’s arm. It is necessary to ensure that a finger can fit between the product and the skin. Next, the adult can begin to search for arteries. The one you need is located on the elbow bend. A phonendoscope should be applied to this place.
Now you can start pumping air. In the meantime, you need to record the time at the moment when the pulse ceases to be heard. Afterwards, the pressure begins to decrease by slowly opening the valve. Finally, all that remains is to make standard calculations of upper and lower blood pressure.
Increased blood pressure
A doctor may suspect hypertension in a child who regularly has high blood pressure. In contrast of normal values often observed in healthy children aged 8 years or more. This is due to the characteristics of their body and usually does not require intervention.
However, hypertension is quite serious diagnosis for a child. It can be caused by too much blood pressure, which is difficult to cope with. the cardiovascular system. This disease is caused by:
- Lack of rest;
- Excessive physical exercise;
- Obesity or a tendency to this condition;
- Experiencing stress.
High blood pressure is much more often diagnosed in adolescents. This is due to hormonal changes that affect all systems of the body.
In any case, it is undesirable to ignore signs of increased blood pressure in children and adolescents. If your blood pressure readings are off the charts, you should show your child to a doctor.
There is no need to give your baby a bunch of medications that should help stabilize blood pressure. This will only be required if he is in critical condition. Medicines can be given to children only with the permission of a specialist.
Coping with the signs hypertension Medicinal plants help:
- Motherwort;
- Valerian;
- Mint;
- Kalina.
Decoctions and infusions of these herbs can be used if blood pressure rises very rarely. If this condition is observed systematically, the doctor will select medications based on herbal components for the young patient.
If you need to immediately lower your blood pressure, you should use a compress with table or apple cider vinegar. It needs to be applied to the heels and left for about 25 minutes.
Helps prevent new pressure surges good rest, proper nutrition and healthy sleep.
It is important to ensure proper rest
The pressure is low
Low blood pressure is a common occurrence in children. Hypotension is usually accompanied frequent colds, mood swings and fatigue. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to these points in order to promptly recognize cardiovascular disease.
Low blood pressure is not always a sign of illness. You need to start worrying if your child is constantly bothered by the following symptoms:
- Headache;
- Weakness in the body;
- Drowsiness;
- Dizziness;
- Nausea.
In this case it is required full examination child. To recognize hypotension, the doctor must rule out kidney and heart disease, as well as possible metabolic disorders.
As with hypertension, a child with signs of hypotension can be helped by medicinal herbs:
- Schisandra;
- Eleutherococcus;
- Ginseng.
Tinctures are made from these plants, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
To prevent a decrease in blood pressure, the child needs to exercise a lot, allocate enough time for rest, and also avoid emotional stress.
Quite often in children, a state of hypotension is observed after they have experienced infection. In this case, to improve your overall well-being, it is not necessary to take medications. Other methods help solve this unpleasant problem. A child who suffers from low blood pressure is recommended to increase physical activity to a reasonable limit, avoid stressful situations, and enrich their diet with healthy foods. plant origin and regularly spend time outdoors.
Any change in the baby’s behavior or well-being often indicates that something is not right with his body. If parents take care of their own child responsibly, they will notice the first signs of diseases that are associated with pressure.
Many mothers noticed that the baby, without any reason, began to get tired faster and complain of headaches. Before giving the pill, measure his blood pressure. Many people mistakenly think that only people of retirement age can have problems with blood pressure. Blood pressure in children, as in adults, can be low, high or normal.
If a child exhibits significant deviations from the normal values established for his age, then this is a sure indicator that there are serious problems in his still fragile body. In this article, we will understand the cause of abnormal blood pressure in children and adolescents.
What is blood pressure
Our blood moves through numerous vessels, and during its movement it exerts significant pressure on their walls, which are quite elastic. The force of pressure is directly related to the size of the vessel, and the larger it is, the more significant the pressure created inside it. If we talk about normal blood pressure indicators, then it is generally accepted that this is the pressure in the brachial artery - it is in this area that it should be measured. At the beginning of the century, a device was used for these purposes - it was called a sphygmomanometer, and it was proposed to be used in 1905 Russian surgeon Korotkov. The unit of measurement is the pressure of one millimeter of mercury, equal to 0.00133 bar. Today, each of you has seen a modern device for measuring blood pressure, which is called a tonometer.
A person’s blood pressure changes throughout the day, and its value is influenced by many factors. Among them:
- intensity of heart contractions;
- elasticity of blood vessels;
- active resistance that blood vessels provide to blood flow;
- the amount of blood contained in the body;
- blood viscosity.
What is blood pressure needed for? In order for blood to successfully move through the capillaries and ensure favorable metabolic processes in the body. Blood pressure is divided into two types: diastolic and systolic.
What is diastolic pressure
Diastole is the state of the heart muscle at the moment when it relaxes. After the heart muscle has contracted aortic valve closes tightly and the walls of the aorta begin to slowly displace the volume of blood that was received. The blood gradually spreads through the capillaries, and its pressure decreases. After this stage ends, the pressure drops to a minimum value, and it is considered to be diastolic pressure. There is another indicator that in some cases helps the doctor find out what the cause of the disease is and feeling unwell. This is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. As a rule, it is 40-60 mmHg and is called pulse pressure.
What is systolic pressure
Systole is the state of the heart muscle at the moment of its contraction, and when the ventricle contracts, a significant amount of blood enters the aorta. And this blood flow stretches the walls of the aorta, and during this process the walls exert resistance, the blood pressure increases and reaches its maximum. This pressure is called systolic.
How to measure a child's blood pressure correctly
If your baby doesn’t feel well, gets tired quickly and has a headache, the doctor will immediately measure his blood pressure, and if disturbances in the body’s functioning are detected, parents may be advised to monitor the child’s blood pressure. Sometimes this is done in for preventive purposes. You can purchase modern, convenient and reliable electronic blood pressure monitors at a medical supply store, and everyone can use them. You will only need to purchase children's cuffs that correspond to the age of your child. If the baby is not yet 1 year old, then you will need a cuff with an inner chamber width of 3 to 5 centimeters.
Blood pressure should be measured in children morning time when the child woke up. The child should be laid down, and the hand should be raised with the palm up and thrown to the side so that it is at the level of the heart. The tonometer cuff should be placed 2-3 cm above the bend of the elbow, and the mother’s finger should fit freely between the handle and the cuff. We apply the phonendoscope to the ulnar fossa - where the pulse is felt. Close the valve and pump air until the pulse disappears. Now you need to open the valve slightly to gradually release air, observing the scale. When the first beep sounds, the device shows systolic pressure, and when the second beep sounds, it shows diastolic pressure. Parents need to carefully record the tonometer readings so that the doctor can identify any deviations from the norm.
Normal blood pressure in children under one year of age
The developed vascular network and elasticity of blood vessels is the main reason why blood pressure in young children is lower than in adults. And the younger the baby, the lower his blood pressure. If we talk about the pressure of a newborn, the figure will be 60-96/40-50 mmHg. But when he is a month old, the pressure will be 80-112/40-74 mm Hg. Art. During the first year of life, the pressure will slowly increase, and when the baby is 1 year old, blood pressure can range from 80/40 to 112/74 mmHg - the figure depends on the baby’s fatness. This rapid increase in pressure is due to the fact that vascular tone increases.
Parents can easily calculate for themselves whether their child’s blood pressure corresponds to the established norm. Here you need to apply a simple formula:
n is the number of months lived by the baby.
If you don’t like calculations, then use the table to find out whether your baby’s blood pressure meets the standard. It indicates acceptable indicators according to the child’s age.
If, after the first blood pressure measurement, you have identified discrepancies with the average for age, then there is no need to be upset, since the tonometer numbers are influenced by great amount factors, including atmospheric pressure, crying, fear, frustration, weather, well-being. For example, when a baby sleeps, his blood pressure drops, and when he is busy playing active games or crying upset, the numbers on the tonometer will increase.
In addition, in order to set the pressure as accurately as possible, during the procedure you need to follow some rules:
- To measure your baby's blood pressure, you should use a special cuff that is smaller than the standard one. If the baby has just been born, then the width of the inner chamber of the cuff should be three centimeters. If the baby is older, then five centimeters.
- Blood pressure should be measured three times, and the interval between procedures should be several minutes (3-4). The minimum numbers will be considered the most accurate.
- If your baby is not yet one year old, then the pressure should only be measured in a lying position. If your baby has just been born and if there are no obvious symptoms of a cardiovascular system disorder, then in most cases only systolic pressure is determined - this can be done by palpation.
Normal blood pressure in children from 2 to 3 years old
In the first year of life, the baby experiences the most fast growth blood pressure, and then it increases more slowly. When the baby is 2 years old, the average systolic pressure is 100-112 mmHg. Diastolic pressure ranges from 60-74 mmHg.
If parents, after measuring the baby’s blood pressure, determine that, according to the table, the baby’s blood pressure is higher than the established norm and does not decrease within 21 days, then it is considered elevated. Of course, if the increase in blood pressure only happened a couple of times, then there is nothing to worry about. This phenomenon is not uncommon and is associated with many reasons: the baby was active or crying. The mother can calculate normal blood pressure values herself using the formula. If the baby celebrated his first birthday, then his systolic pressure is (90+2n), and diastolic (60+n), where n is the number of years the baby has lived.
Indicators of normal blood pressure in children from 3 to 5 years old
Looking at the table, we can conclude that the dynamics of pressure increase in a given period of time in children becomes slower. Diastolic pressure ranges from 60 to 76 mmHg, and systolic pressure from 100 to 116 mmHg. We would like to draw the attention of parents to the fact that the device readings may change throughout the day. During the daytime and evening hours, the pressure reaches its maximum, and in the evening it begins to decrease. At night, from 1 to 5, pressure readings are minimal.
What is normal blood pressure for children aged 6 to 9 years?
Looking at the table, it can be noted that minimum indicators systolic and diastolic pressure at this age did not change, but their maximum values expanded slightly. For children aged 6 to 9 years, normal blood pressure is considered to be 100-122/60-78 mmHg. Art.
You need to understand that at this age children go to school, their emotional load increases, and physical activity decreases, because most Every day you need to sit at a desk or do homework, so deviations from the average are possible. If a child comes home from school tired, irritated and overwhelmed, and says that he has headaches, then parents need to monitor his blood pressure.
Normal blood pressure in children from 10 to 12 years old
When children enter adolescence, their body undergoes a lot of changes. The child grows and begins puberty, which leads to surges in blood pressure. As you know, girls mature before the boys, so at this age they are often worried about pressure surges. According to the table, the average normal blood pressure ranges from 11/70 to 126/82 mm Hg. pillar Doctors believe that the upper blood pressure readings can reach a limit of 120 mmHg. Art. The child’s body type can also influence what numbers the tonometer gives. For example, girls tall, thin people with asthenic type in most cases have slightly low blood pressure.
Indicators of normal blood pressure in adolescents from 13 to 15 years old
Everyone knows that when a child is in a stormy period of puberty, his body brings many surprises to the owner. Constantly sitting at the computer, endless stress, raging emotions, surge of hormones, increased loads at school, rapid growth - all this together causes pressure surges. Moreover, hormonal changes and functional disorders, can cause both high blood pressure ( juvenile hypertension), and low blood pressure (hypotension). If we talk about the norm, then it is in the range of 110-70/136-86 mm Hg. pillar If a teenager is worried about pressure surges, then fainting, severe headache, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness are possible. The pulse may become slower or faster.
Most likely, when the child leaves adolescence, these problems will be left behind, but you should definitely visit a doctor who will determine the cause of poor health and help reduce problems to a minimum.
What could be the reasons for low blood pressure in a child? How to treat hypotension
Hypotension is a decrease in blood pressure. IN different time day, a person may have a physiological decrease in pressure, and this is caused, for example, by lunch or dinner, active training, or being in a stuffy room. Hereditary predisposition may also have an influence. This situation can occur in completely healthy children. A decrease in pressure does not greatly affect the child’s well-being, and you may not hear any complaints from him. But statistics show that 10% of children have chronic hypotension. The main reasons for this condition are the following:
- Birth injury.
- The child often suffers from colds and infectious diseases.
- Serious mental overload.
- Low physical activity.
- Stress.
Symptoms can be different and depend on the reasons that caused the abnormal condition. The following are the most common reasons:
- Frequent dizziness.
- Fast fatiguability.
- The mood changes often.
- Tearfulness and irritability.
- Headache oppressive character.
- Touchiness.
- Increased sweating.
- After physical activity, aching sensations in the heart area.
- Wet palms.
If your child has several of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Remember that such conditions can be caused not only by low blood pressure, but also by other, more serious diseases, including:
- Diabetes;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- Anemia;
- Reaction to medications;
- Lack of vitamins.
Therefore, an examination is extremely necessary, as is a consultation with a neurologist. The causes of low blood pressure will be clarified, and the doctor will prescribe competent treatment. When the underlying disease is established, the child will be able to undergo the necessary drug treatment.
Of course, parents can resort to advice traditional medicine, but as additional method treatment, but the consent of the attending physician should be obtained so as not to harm the child’s body. There are a number of rules that a mother must follow at all times:
- Strict adherence to the regime.
- Calm atmosphere in the house.
- Limit your time at the computer or TV before going to bed.
- Overload and increased physical activity are prohibited, but swimming, hiking or horse riding are shown. Walks in the park or by the sea will provide positive influence on the body and stabilize blood pressure.
- A contrast shower has an excellent tonic and warming effect. The child can be persuaded to accept such procedures.
- Nutrition should be balanced and complete. The menu should consist of cereals, vegetables, meat, fish, fruits, and dairy products. Strong tea with sugar or honey will come in handy.
What are the causes of high blood pressure in children? How to treat
Quite often, children experience high blood pressure - arterial hypertension, especially during adolescence and puberty. The reasons for this phenomenon can be very different: stress, psychological and physical stress, changes in hormonal system teenager, insufficient time for sleep and rest. In some cases, the causes of high blood pressure can be quite serious. For example, secondary hypertension can be a “brother” of brain damage, pathology of the endocrine system or renal pathology, impaired vascular tone, or poisoning.
Remember that only a doctor will be able to correctly diagnose the causes of high blood pressure; parents need to be patient and follow the doctor’s recommendations. All actions are designed to stabilize blood pressure, and not to lower or increase it.
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