Not many people may be aware, but, high blood pressure can also be found in children. It is, therefore, necessary to know the normal blood pressure readings and keep a check on the risk factors.
Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. Having a very high or very low blood pressure leads to several diseases and disorders. Therefore, in order to avoid this, one should have a normal and healthy blood pressure. The normal blood pressure in adults is 120/80 mm Hg (where 120 is systolic and 80 is diastolic blood pressure).
Normal Blood Pressure Range
| Age | Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure |
| 3-5 years | 104-116 mm Hg | 67-76 mm Hg |
| 6-9 years | 115-122 mm Hg | 72-78 mm Hg |
| 10-12 years | 115-127 mm Hg | 77-82 mm Hg |
It should be noted that the gender, age, height, weight of the child, etc., play an important role in the readings. Children who are obese tend to have higher blood pressure than those who are underweight. Secondly, boys tend to have higher blood pressure than girls. On the other hand, other factors, like the child’s diet, heredity, etc., also contribute in having higher or lower blood pressure than normal.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is found in children and adolescents due to several reasons like obesity, lack of exercise, high cholesterol level, having a family history of hypertension, suffering from diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, etc.
Consulting the doctor and undertaking tests will help in diagnosing hypertension. High blood pressure can be lowered by following a proper diet, controlling weight, and taking the prescribed medications. If there is other underlying cause, the doctor will recommend the related treatment methods.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure or hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure drops severely below the normal range. Hypotension can be caused due to dehydration, due to some disease or disorder, etc. Neurally mediated hypotension (NMH) occurs when the blood pressure decreases drastically. Dizziness, fainting, unconsciousness, etc., are some of the symptoms of this condition. Hypotension, in some cases, can be prevented by having adequate amounts of fluids and treating any underlying disease or disorder.
Lastly, note that along with adults, it is also essential to monitor blood pressure of children occasionally and keep a close watch on it to avoid future complications. Take care!
Disclaimer: This article is for meant informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.
