Excess weight is the most prominent indicator. Blood pressure is a danger that haunts the hearts of children and adolescents

Doctors have warned that high blood pressure is not only a source of concern for adults, but it can also affect children, as it is known as the silent disease, and increases the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, as it often does not show noticeable symptoms, pointing out that there are six symptoms that may indicate the presence of a high blood pressure emergency.

They stressed that periodic examinations help in early detection of high blood pressure and taking the necessary measures, regardless of age, as maintaining a healthy level of blood pressure is very important for public health.

High blood pressure means that the heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which in turn transport it throughout the body.

Blood pressure is the force or pressure generated by blood flowing through the arteries when the heart beats. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, refers to a condition in which the pressure generated within the arteries is higher than normal levels.

Pediatric specialist, Dr. Farah Al-Sheikh Bakro, confirmed the danger of not constantly monitoring blood pressure for children.

She said: “The problem is that there are no clear symptoms of high blood pressure in childhood, but that does not necessarily mean that the child is healthy, which results in not being careful of wrong behaviors that lead to increased blood pressure, the most important of which are foods that contain large amounts of table salt and not engaging in any physical activity.”

She pointed out that there are two types of high blood pressure in children: the first has no clear cause and is the most common, and the second is secondary high blood pressure that arises due to underlying diseases or conditions, adding that blood pressure patterns can differ in childhood and adolescence, and some children may overcome high blood pressure as they grow older, but in some cases the condition may remain with them.

She continued, “Treating high blood pressure in children is done through a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, such as reducing excess weight, trying to maintain a healthy weight, adding exercise to daily life, and reducing time sitting in front of screens, to encourage the child to be more active and adhere to a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking in all its forms, especially since vaping has become a common problem even among children,” noting that in some cases In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone may not be enough, requiring a health care provider to prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications.

She added: “A severe increase in blood pressure in children can cause encephalopathy or neurological dysfunction, in addition to the risk of heart disease and stroke, or facing long-term complications. Therefore, early detection and management of high blood pressure is extremely important, so that it can be managed through lifestyle and medications if necessary to prevent long-term health complications, while dietary recommendations to treat the condition include Increase consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and other high-fibre foods, reduce salt and avoid soft drinks and saturated fats, which are found in fast food and ready-to-eat foods.

For his part, pediatric specialist, Dr. Hani Al-Hindawi, said: “High blood pressure does not give specific symptoms, so it is necessary to pay attention to the level of blood pressure in children and adolescents, especially those who suffer from obesity, or who have certain signs that may indicate an imbalance in blood pressure, such as a constant headache, dizziness, nasal bleeding, or unexplained vomiting, or those who suffer from tachycardia, or pain. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and problems with comprehension or memory.

He added: “Excess weight and malnutrition are one of the main causes of primary high blood pressure in children and adolescents, in addition to a number of risk factors, including constantly eating salty foods, drinks rich in caffeine, smoking of all kinds or continuous exposure to it (passive smoking), in addition to high levels of sugar and fats in the blood, and some genetic factors.”

Al-Hindawi stressed the need to pay attention to the level of blood pressure in children and adolescents, especially those who suffer from obesity, or who have certain signs that may indicate an imbalance in blood pressure, such as constant headache, dizziness, nasal bleeding, or unexplained vomiting, or who suffer from tachycardia, chest pain, and shortness of breath, in addition to problems with comprehension or memory, pointing out that the incidence rate is High blood pressure in children in the Emirates is mostly due to congenital causes as a result of heart or kidney problems.

Pediatrician Dr. Aya Abdel Nasser stated that high blood pressure in childhood has become more common, and that this part of the increase can be explained by obesity, especially obesity in the abdominal area, as international studies indicate that less than 2% of children with normal weight suffer from high blood pressure, compared to 5% of children who are overweight, and 15% of children who are obese.

She pointed out that rapid weight gain in infants and young children is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure later in adulthood, as studies have found that a rapid increase in body mass index during the first six months after birth and in the preschool years may lead to high systolic blood pressure in mid-childhood, regardless of size at birth.

Doctors reported that chronic high blood pressure in children increases the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, vision loss, changes in perception, and others, so monitoring readings regularly, and early detection and treatment is crucial in preventing long-term health complications.

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Heart disease

An American study showed that high blood pressure in children portends the possibility of heart disease in later stages of life.

The results of the study, published by the Journal of American Medical Association, showed a close connection between high blood pressure in childhood and the likelihood of early death from heart disease.

• 15% of people with severe obesity suffer from high blood pressure, compared to 5% of children who are overweight, and 2% of children who are of normal weight.