New Delhi:high blood pressure is to be blood pressure higher than the appropriate limit for someone’s age. When it comes to diagnosing hypertension, we usually think of adults in their 30s or 40s being diagnosed with high blood pressure. However, we rarely consider that children and Teenagers High blood pressure may also develop.

The problem of obesity is increasing due to the changing lifestyle of children. Many children are so busy with their studies that they do not have any time for physical activities. Due to all this, the problem of high blood pressure is increasing in children.

A child aged 13 years or older is said to have hypertension if their blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80. In younger children, this range varies according to age, sex and height. Measuring blood pressure in children is not very difficult, but because the problem is not widely known, it often goes undiagnosed.

A recent survey conducted by a group of pediatricians and nephrologists found that about 7.5% of students studying in classes 8 and 9 have hypertension. If this trend continues, we could be facing an epidemic. heart disease CVD burden is likely to rise in young adults in the near future. In a country like ours, where we are dependent on demographic dividend, we cannot afford this significant public health problem.

High blood pressure, if detected late or not properly controlled, has the potential to damage vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. The resulting organ damage is usually difficult to treat, and can also affect life expectancy.

Management of hypertension teenager Prevention of hypertension begins by preventing risk factors. Healthy eating habits such as preventing obesity, reducing salt intake, and increasing physical activity can prevent hypertension. Screening for hypertension is equally important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, every child should get his or her blood pressure checked after the age of three. Timely diagnosis not only helps control blood pressure better but also prevents future organ damage.

Teens who have high blood pressure should make lifestyle changes to improve their eating habits and increase physical activity. If they are overweight, parents should help them lose weight.

In some children, it is necessary to consult a hypertension specialist or nephrologist and start medication if necessary. Sometimes, hypertension has an underlying cause, such as kidney disease or a genetic disorder. Timely diagnosis of such conditions makes it possible to control hypertension better.

Hypertension in adolescents and teens is a real problem that needs to be detected early and managed by lifestyle modifications; this problem can be treated successfully.

(Written by Dr Vaibhav Keskar, Consultant Nephrology, Fortis Hospital Mulund)