$Unique_ID{BRK00823}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Is it Possible That a Youngster Can Have Hypertension?}
$Subject{blood pressure child cause treatment}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
Figure 1*0009501.scf
Figure 2*0009601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible That a Youngster Can Have Hypertension?


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QUESTION:  Is it possible that my youngster, age 9, can have hypertension?  He
was found to have high blood pressure on a recent physical.  If so, can he be
treated?

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ANSWER:  Hypertension can occur in children.  When it does, the cases
generally are mild and, frequently, are found in families with histories of
hypertension plus excess body weight.  Treatment usually begins with the
physician taking your child's medical history, giving a thorough physical
examination and obtaining an understanding of the family's medical history.
Such information enables a doctor to determine if your youngster suffers from
some other disorder or from secondary hypertension.  The latter is much more
common in children than in adults.
     Secondary hypertension is caused by, or is associated with, a variety of
diseases such as kidney, central nervous system, endocrine and/or vascular
disorders.  When such secondary diseases are cured--by a course of therapy
under your doctor's supervision--the child's high blood pressure usually
returns to normal.
     Doctors have observed that secondary causes for hypertension usually
occur in their youngest patients who experience the highest blood pressures.
     Because of today's readily available blood pressure measurements, mild
hypertension is being discovered in children much more frequently than was
previously thought.  When doctors treat it, their goal is to reduce blood
pressure without producing side effects that could interfere with your
youngster's normal growth and development.  Mild, or borderline, blood
pressure is usually treated by diet modification for weight control and an
exercise program.  Your child's physician may prescribe antihypertensive drugs
to prevent possible damage to blood vessels and/or other organs.  Frequently
very small dosages are given and, if necessary, are slowly increased.  Once
weight control and increased exercise become routine, the goal is to reduce
and, hopefully, withdraw medication if your child's blood pressure remains in
an acceptable range.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
