Transitional age associated with the preparation of a young organism for adulthood. During this crucial period, important changes take place in the work of all organs and systems. Normal adolescent pressure on this stage indicates that his body can cope with the stress, and all processes proceed without disturbances.

Adolescent hypertension - a side effect of the progressive century

Unfortunately, modern life with its accelerated rhythm and the costs of advanced technologies negatively affects the health of the younger generation. Recent statistics have shown that almost 30% of adolescent boys and girls have drops in blood pressure.

This negative trend worries not only parents and teachers, but also doctors: juvenile hypertension can lead to serious complications and even cause disability or early death.

Blood pressure - what is it

To deal with a problem, you need to know about the nature of its origin. Thanks to scientific research, it was possible to establish that the pressure, both in adults and in adolescents, increases due to a violation of the connection between peripheral vessels and the work of the heart muscle. The heart in the human body performs the functions of a living pump: with each contraction of the myocardium, blood is released into the arterial bed. Then the blood, saturated with oxygen and all the necessary nutrients, flows through small vessels to all organs.

For a full supply of all systems, blood pressure must be strong enough.

There are two types of blood pressure:

• systolic pressure (upper) - reflects the moment of maximum contraction of the heart muscle,
• diastolic (lower indicator) - it is interconnected with vascular tone, and allows you to assess how blood moves along them.

It is now clear that the ability of blood vessels to transport blood is closely related to cardiac activity. Any downward or upward change will cause the entire system to malfunction.

Normal blood pressure by age group

In adolescents, normal blood pressure values \u200b\u200bdo not differ much from the values \u200b\u200btypical for adults. For example, the pressure norm in a 12-year-old child varies from 110/70 to 126/82. This feature is explained by the fact that by this age the formation of the vascular system practically ends. Although doctors consider the upper limit of 120 mm to be optimal, this indicator can vary depending on the anatomical features of the physique, emotional background and even the nature of the child. So, in asthenic thin children, hypotension is more common, and their peers with an athletic body type are more prone to hypertension.

The table below reflects the average values \u200b\u200bof blood pressure, expressed in standard units for this indicator - mm Hg.

The table shows that blood pressure in older adolescents should be 110/70 or 120/80, that is, almost the same as in adults. In younger children, the range of values \u200b\u200bis wider, because the process of body formation is still in its most active stage. It should also be understood that even in a single person, these parameters can change depending on the time of day, physical activity and other factors.

Formula for individual determination of admissible blood pressure limits

There is a formula developed by specialists by which it is easy to calculate what the pressure rate of a particular person should be. This scheme is suitable for determining this parameter in adolescents:

• the systole value is calculated as follows: age must be multiplied by a factor of 1.7, then add 83 to the result obtained,
• the diastole index is obtained as a result of such actions: the patient's age in years is multiplied by 1.6 and the number 42 is added to the product.

This scheme will help parents independently determine the adequate blood pressure values \u200b\u200bfor their child.

What the pulse tells about

The intensity of blood flow is easy to determine by the pulse. Since the heart beats at a certain frequency, blood moves through the vessels in jerks. It is this rhythmic movement that is called the pulse. It is easily felt in the wrist at the point where the radial artery passes. By the nature of the pulse, that is, by its frequency and filling, one can judge the state of the circulatory system. In adolescent children, the normal pulse has different meanings. But the average indicators are within the following limits:

• in 10-12 year old children, the pulse varies from 60-100 beats per minute,
• from 12-15 years old, normal values \u200b\u200bare in the range of 55 -95 beats / min.,
• at 16-18 and older, the pulse rate ranges from 60 to 80 beats per minute.

A rapid pulse in a person who is in a calm state indicates that the heart cannot cope with its direct function. This disorder leads to insufficient blood supply to vital organs, including the brain. The consequences of tachycardia are serious - ischemic disease, heart attacks, strokes and other pathologies. Hypotensive patients usually have a weak pulse.

What factors contribute to the appearance of juvenile hypertension

A young organism is very sensitive to inadequate stress on the heart, which leads to vasospasm and, as a result, increased blood pressure. In adolescence, both primary and secondary hypertension can develop. The first form is most often the result of excessive stress at school and sports clubs, hours of computer work, systematic lack of sleep and other factors.

Secondary hypertension in most cases is due to the presence of chronic diseases of the endocrine system, heart, kidneys.

In addition to these factors, there are other reasons that can provoke pressure surges in adolescents. Among them:

• previous trauma
• active hormonal changes in the young body,
• burdened heredity,
• psychological stress and stress,
• endocrine dysfunction,
• disturbed activity of other organs and systems,
• overwork,
• improper diet,
• addictions.

The period of puberty, which for many children begins at the age of 13 or a little later, is considered the most stressful stage in a person's life, when not only the hormonal background of a growing organism changes, but other processes are no less violent. Therefore, so often at a young age there are problems with pressure.

Hypotension reasons

Low blood pressure occurs in adolescents as often as hypertension. A common prerequisite for hypotension is a hereditary factor, when a predisposition to this pathology is transmitted to a teenager at the genetic level. Also, low pressure can be the result of the following negative factors:

• respiratory infections,
• stress,
• anemia,
• avitaminosis,
• insufficient physical activity or, conversely, excessive stress,
• allergic manifestations,
• diabetes mellitus,
• heart failure
• problems associated with the thyroid gland.

If hypertension is more common in boys, then girls are predominantly affected by hypotension. The disease rarely turns into a pathological form, it is often associated with the physiological reorganization of a young organism.

Signs of juvenile hypertension

Pressure drops are usually accompanied by tachycardia, severe migraines, headaches, and sleep disturbances. With high blood pressure, adolescents complain of headache, weakness, dizziness. The child becomes irritable, gets tired quickly.

If blood pressure values \u200b\u200bare much higher than the permissible norm, nausea and vomiting may appear. Often in very young people, even at the age of 14 years in the absence of qualified medical care a hypertensive crisis develops. Therefore, when such symptoms appear in a teenager, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How does hypotension manifest?

Usually, low blood pressure does not immediately show itself. Parents often associate their child's sickly appearance with fatigue and overwork at school. But, if the clinic continues to grow and 15 summer teenager suddenly refuses to go out with friends, loses appetite, becomes lethargic and apathetic - this is an alarming signal. In such a situation, a specialist will help you figure it out.

The accompanying signs of hypotension should also include:

• pain in the temples
• decreased concentration of attention,
• daytime sleepiness
• pain in the region of the heart,
• constantly cold extremities.

Persistent hypotension in a girl threatens in the future with serious problems from the heart, as well as memory impairment.

How to normalize blood pressure

There is practically no difference in the methods of treatment of juvenile hypertension and hypertension in adults. In both cases, it is necessary to first measure the pressure and pulse, and only then take some steps. At home, you can reduce the pressure of a teenager with herbal tinctures of peony, valerian (valerian extract is also available in tablets) or motherwort. Tea with mint, lingonberry or cranberry juice helps well in such situations. Viburnum has an excellent hypotensive property, from which you can also prepare a healing drink.

Natural methods of increasing pressure

If adult hypotensive patients are saved by liters of strong coffee, this method is definitely not suitable for adolescents. Given the harmful effects of caffeine on blood vessels and the heart, you should generally avoid the use of this invigorating drink by school-age children. Sometimes it is enough to normalize blood pressure constant monitoring the volume of liquid drunk and the salt content in the child's diet. If the pressure has dropped sharply and its indicators cause anxiety in parents, you need to do the following:

• it is imperative to ventilate the room, since the supply of oxygen will stimulate the growth of blood pressure,
• calm the child down,
• give him a weak tea to drink, you can give a few slices of dark chocolate.

For an older teenager, 16 years old, it is easy to prepare a tincture of ginseng or lemongrass at home. You can use herbal medicines.

Diagnostic features

Usually, pressure problems are discovered quite by accident when children undergo medical examination or issue a certificate to the swimming pool. Often, a young man of pre-conscription age only at the military registration and enlistment office during the passage of the commission learns that his pressure is above normal. In any case, children, after identifying deviations, are taken to the risk group and monitored by doctors.

After making sure that the change in blood pressure is not temporary, the attending physician prescribes a full examination for the child, which includes a deep laboratory study, ECG, ultrasound of internal organs. As a rule, parents keep a special diary where they record blood pressure indicators throughout the day. These diagnostic methods are enough for the doctor to be able to establish the cause of the formed hypertension.

Preventive actions

If the disease has already managed to seriously harm the young body, then complex therapy is indispensable. And at an early stage of the disease, preventive measures give a good result. Adolescents aged 14-17 have a very labile psyche. If you create a family comfortable conditions for rest and study, to control the psycho-emotional state of the child, the situation will quickly change in a positive direction.

With younger children, parents can play together, arrange home performances and other events where the child can show initiative and show off talent. We must not forget about the benefits of physical activity and walking in the fresh air. Normal blood pressure will be constant in a teenager, subject to three important regimens: nutrition, day, physical activity. Even if the child does not show complaints characteristic of hypertension or hypotension, prevention should not be abandoned. Prevention is always better than cure.

The preparation of the body for growing up occurs during adolescence. The transitional age is characterized by changes in the functioning of organs. Normal blood pressure in a teenager can vary, which is associated with physical and psychological formation. Significant differences from normal indicators at this age may indicate serious violations in the work of the cardiovascular system.

Pressure Rates

Blood pressure is indicated using two numbers, for example. The first number shows the systolic (upper) pressure at the time of heart contraction, the second - diastolic (lower), reflects blood pressure when the heart relaxes. Normal BP readings change with age. Newborns have very elastic blood vessels, so the baby's pressure is low. Fluctuations in infants from 60-80 mm Hg. Art. for the systolic rate and 40-55 mm Hg. Art. - for diastolic, should not cause concern to parents. As they grow older, blood pressure rises, and by about 18 years old it reaches the norm of an adult (110-140 / 70-90 mm Hg).

A special table, which contains the normative values \u200b\u200bof blood pressure, will help to find out what pressure is considered normal for a child.

In girls, deviations in indicators appear earlier, due to earlier puberty.

During puberty, the child's body is rebuilt, therefore, many indicators may differ from the generally accepted ones. And that's okay. In girls, deviations appear starting from the age of 10, since their transition period begins earlier. In boys, puberty occurs at 11-13 years old. During this period, high blood pressure can be caused by hormonal surges. The pressure norm in children 12 years old varies from 110/70 to 125/82 mm Hg. Art. At the age of 14, it is not easy to understand what blood pressure a teenager should have. This is due to stress, psycho-emotional stress, stressful stage of schooling. At the age of 15, the blood pressure rate in adolescents is in the range of 110/70 mm Hg. Art. up to 136/86 mm Hg. Art.

Causes of jumps

The transitional age is characterized not only by the maturation of the organism, during this period the formation of the personality takes place. Teenagers doubt themselves and those around them, react sharply to criticism, sometimes even showing aggression. Added to this is an intensive period of schooling and passing exams. All this leads to emotional fatigue, which can provoke an increase or decrease in pressure in a child. In addition to the above factors, blood pressure surges cause other reasons, such as:

Excessive obesity can provoke an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

• changes in hormonal levels;
• bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
• trauma;
• improper nutrition;
• excess weight.

Hypertensive syndrome provoke serious pathologies, their presence in a child requires immediate medical intervention. Among them:

• disruption of the endocrine system;
• oncology;
• impaired liver function;
• kidney disease;
• brain damage;
• vegetative vascular dystonia;
• problems with heart.

In most cases, jumps in blood pressure in adolescents are a normal reaction of the body to age-related changes. But if a child systematically complains of headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate and heart rate, an urgent need to consult a specialist.

How do they manifest?

Violations of blood pressure indicators lead to hypertension or hypotension. High blood pressure in a child is accompanied by dizziness, severe headaches, irritability. Often a teenager complains of a deterioration in health, nausea and pain in the heart. With hypertension, sleep disorders often occur. The presence of these signs is a reason to consult a doctor, since high blood pressure can be a symptom of serious diseases.

Boys or girls with values \u200b\u200bbelow normal are in a state of drowsiness and weakness.

Low blood pressure is difficult to recognize. Most often, it is observed in thin teenagers. With hypotension, the child feels constant fatigue, drowsiness, weakness in the body. In children with low blood pressure, limbs are constantly freezing, it is difficult for them to concentrate, they are lethargic and apathetic. Hypotension can be observed in girls who are addicted to diets. To normalize blood pressure in adolescents, it is not necessary to undergo special treatment, it is enough to diagnose and eliminate the provoking factor in time.

Measurement rules

You can get pressure indicators using a special device - a tonometer. It is very convenient to use both mechanical and electronic tonometers at home. Accurate indicators can be obtained by following certain rules. Blood pressure measurements are best taken in the morning after sleep or after rest, since emotional and physical activity increases values.

The accuracy of the indicators depends on the width of the tonometer cuff. For different age categories, it is better to use special cuffs. For newborns, their width is 3 cm, for an infant under one year old - 5, from 1-6 years old - 8, for a teenager - 10 cm. Babies under 2 years old need to measure blood pressure in a supine position, for older children - the posture does not matter. Measurements during the initial examination are made on both hands, for the next ones, they choose the hand where the indicators were higher. To obtain accurate results, measurements must be taken at least 3 times, with a frequency of several minutes. The smallest indicator obtained will be considered the most correct. When measuring pressure in medical institutionIt is important to make sure that the child is not worried or afraid of doctors, as this can also skew the results. In this case, double-check the pressure at home, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Deviations in blood pressure (BP) parameters today are found not only in adults. Such problems are typical for adolescents and even children. Therefore, many parents are interested in what is the normal blood pressure in a teenager at the age of 14 (15, 16). This allows you to detect all deviations in time and choose an adequate therapy.

Blood pressure indicators affect the performance of the circulatory system. The proportion of the force of muscle contraction and the resistance of the vascular walls depends on them. This indicator is estimated in millimeters of mercury. The parameter is calculated according to two criteria - contraction of the heart muscle and relaxation.

The blood pressure index affects the blood flow rate. It is he who provides oxygen to the organs and tissues. A number of parameters affect the value of blood pressure:

1. Age category. Throughout life, this indicator gradually increases. IN adolescence pressure jumps are often observed. This is due to hormonal changes in the body.
2. Gender. For boys aged 14-17, this indicator is lower than for girls.
3. Weight. If a teenager is overweight, the appearance of hypertension cannot be avoided. An increase in the parameter in obese patients indicates the development of dangerous diseases.
4. Having bad habits.
5. Sports activities. Athletes are often diagnosed with lower blood pressure readings.

Normal blood pressure in adolescents aged 14-17

Children have lower pressure parameters than adults. This is due to the fact that the walls of blood vessels are highly elastic. Due to this, free blood flow is observed. After some time, smooth muscles become stronger, their tone increases. The first pressure rise occurs within 24 months

The next time the figure rises markedly in 10 years. During this period, the body is preparing for a new stage - puberty. Since the hormonal background is unstable, the pressure rate in adolescents 14 years old is 112 / 58-146 / 79 mm Hg. Art.

Please note: In adults, systolic pressure should not exceed 140 mm Hg. Art., and diastolic - less than 60 mm Hg. Art. In women and girls, after the onset of menstruation, the indicator is lower than in boys by 5-15 mm Hg. Art.

The normal pulse pressure in a 13 (14) -year-old teenager is 30-40 mm Hg. Art. This is exactly the difference between the parameters of diastolic (lower) and systolic (upper) pressure. The maximum indicator is 50 mm Hg. Art. In children 10-12 years old, the pulse should not exceed 70-130 beats. By the age of 17, this figure drops to 60-110 strokes.

The features of the formation of the reproductive system differ in boys and girls. Age-related transformations are observed during the period of active growth. In boys, blood pressure increases after 14 years. In girls, changes can occur at 11-15 years old. At this stage, the indicators are higher than those of peers of the opposite sex.

The pressure rate at 14 years old is determined in accordance with certain formulas. To evaluate normal rate systolic pressure, you need to take the age, multiply it by 1.7, and then add 83. For the diastolic indicator, use a factor of 1.6 and add 42.

Normal blood pressure in a 15-year-old adolescent, in accordance with medical standards, is 108-109 / 66 mm Hg. Art. But the results determined by the formula are different from the weight-for-height tables.

Causes of pressure deviations from the norm

According to statistics, approximately 75% of adolescent schoolchildren complain about increased fatigue and workload with studies. This negatively affects blood pressure indicators. Also, the reasons may be:

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The tool is used at home 30 minutes before meals.

• hormonal fluctuations;
• stressful situations;
• complexes;
• diet;
• lack of movement;
• computer fatigue.

In most cases, it is possible to cope with the reasons high blood pressure without significant health consequences. However, sometimes this condition indicates dangerous pathologies. Deviation of indicators from the standard may be the result of such violations:

• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• endocrine system damage;
• disturbances in the work of the nervous system - in particular, VSD;
• kidney pathology;
• liver disease.

Important: These pathologies can be the cause of the development of arterial hypertension. If you do not take action in time, this condition is fraught with dangerous complications.

Diagnostics

Pressure problems in adolescents are most often diagnosed by chance. Various disorders of well-being are often mistaken for the stage of growing up, and therefore rarely consult a doctor.

To identify the problem, the specialist must measure the indicators several times. To start further research, it is worth recording the increase in the parameter at least 3 times.

In addition, it is important to make sure that the deviation is not related to objective factors - stress or other problem. If the presence of a violation is not in doubt, the doctor should collect information regarding the symptoms and individual characteristics of the body. This will help you choose effective therapy methods.

In addition, doctors often prescribe laboratory and instrumental studies:

• electrocardiogram;
• ultrasound procedure;
• urine and blood tests.

The listed procedures allow you to identify a provoking factor that leads to an increase in pressure in adolescence.

Treatment methods

If the reason for the fluctuations is established, it will not be difficult to normalize this indicator. If a slight increase in pressure is due to fatigue, the following remedies will help to improve your well-being:

• tea based on rosehip, barberry or calendula;
• lingonberry, beet or carrot juice;
• tincture of hawthorn, valerian, motherwort.

It is useful to make compresses from apple cider vinegar or mustard plasters for a few minutes. They are applied to the chest, neck, back of the lower leg. The menu should include seafood, citrus fruits, nuts.

If the pressure reaches high parameters, it will not be possible to do without drugs. The following categories of medications are usually prescribed for adolescents:

• to reduce pressure - these include Reserpine, Raunatin;
• - Hypothiazid, Veroshpiron;
• sedatives - Elenium, Seduxen;
• adrenergic blockers - Obzidan, Inderal;
• ganglion blocking drugs - Pentamin.

The specific substance is prescribed by the doctor. When using the wrong medication or dosing, there is a risk of aggravating the clinical picture of the pathology.

If a teenager has hypotension, you can take the following remedies:

In some cases, it is enough to eat a dish with a lot of salt. The following medicines can be prescribed from pharmacies:

• psychostimulants - Fetanol or Caffeine;
• drugs to improve cerebral circulation - Cinnarizin, Pantogam.

To cope with primary hypotension, exercise is very helpful. Massage of the collar area and a contrast shower are also highly effective.

Prevention

If a teenager has a tendency to unstable pressure, it is worthwhile to prevent fluctuations in this indicator. This requires:

• establish food;
• monitor weight;
• have a good rest;
• balance intellectual loads;
• to walk alot;
• be examined regularly by a doctor.

Pressure fluctuations are common during adolescence. To establish the causes of this condition, it is worth conducting a thorough diagnosis. If anomalies are detected, you need to consult a doctor. The specialist will select the best medicines and give recommendations for correcting your lifestyle.

Still have questions? Ask them in the comments! A cardiologist will answer them.

The rate of pressure in a teenager is somewhat different from that of an adult, moreover, the rate is set by the range, and within the range it is different for each person. It is necessary to know the norm of your own pressure for two reasons - firstly, you should measure the pressure from time to time, without any signs of pathology, in order to know the individual norm. Secondly, blood pressure (BP) can rise without any pronounced symptoms; to detect hypertension, it is measured and compared with an earlier established norm.

The individual rate depends on many indicators, including the state of the body, gender and age.

What determines the pressure of a teenager

A child's body functions in the same way as an adult, but with a number of differences. Metabolic processes are faster, cells also divide much faster and require more blood and nutrients. This requires more intense circulation - a child's heart beats faster than an adult's, which is reflected in the pulse rate, which is higher in children than in adults.

There are two pressure indicators - systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower), and each of them reflects certain parameters.

If a child has low blood pressure, this is not a cause for concern, such indicators are normal for children of a certain age. Conversely, you can skip hypertension in a child, if you measure it in the framework of adults.

The upper, systolic pressure depends on the contractions of the heart. The more the heart muscle contracts, the more blood is thrown into the aorta and the stronger the pulse wave. At the same time, the pressure increases. Since there are not so many muscle elements in the heart of a child as in the heart of an adult, and also due to the immaturity of the conducting system of the heart in early age and the absence of compensatory hypertrophy obtained in the course of life, this indicator in children is usually lower than in adults. This is important to understand that if a child has low blood pressure, this is not a cause for concern, such indicators are normal for children of a certain age. Conversely, you can skip hypertension in a child, if you measure it in the framework of adults.

The lower pressure is called diastolic and depends on:

• kidney and excretory system. The kidneys regulate the amount of urine output and the volume of circulating blood. If, for some reason, the functional insufficiency of this organ does not filter, the volume of blood in the channel increases, the pressure increases. This also has the opposite effect - massive diuresis leads to a drop in pressure (and is also fraught with an imbalance in electrolytes);
• endocrine system. There are several hormonal systems that control blood pressure. These include the renin-angiotensin system, which has a decisive effect on peripheral vascular tone, the adrenal system, the hormones vasopressin and aldosterone. Some act on vascular tone, some on electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine);
• nervous system. Constant and rapid regulation is performed by the autonomic nervous system. It maintains peripheral vascular tone by providing venous blood flow to the heart. In the vessel wall there are many smooth muscle elements, which, by contracting, push the blood further and further. These stimuli are delivered by subcortical centers. The heart muscle also needs the same regulation.

A child's heart beats faster than an adult's, which is reflected in the heart rate, which is higher in children than in adults.

Thus, from these two numbers, the blood pressure indicator is formed, which is normally in the range of 110–120 / 70–80 mm Hg. Art. (millimeters of mercury).

Normal blood pressure in children and adolescents

Normal blood pressure indicators in a child may not resemble books, therefore formulas have been developed to calculate the pressure, which is considered optimal in childhood... They look like this:

• up to one year of life - 76 + 2 x T (where T is the months of the child's life) for systolic, while the diastolic is from 1/2 to 2/3 of the systolic;
• older than one year of life - 90 + 2 x T (where T is the child's age in years) for the upper pressure, and the lower one will be 60 + T. For example, the pressure rate in children 10 years old will be 110 to 70 mm Hg. Art.

Up to 2 weeks of life - 60–96 by 40–50 mm Hg. Art. This is not low blood pressure, as it is commonly believed, the fact is that the heart muscle of children of this age is not yet mature enough, and the blood composition contains a lot of young hemoglobin, which is characteristic only for such small children and is practically absent in the body of an adult. The pulse in newborns is very fast, but the cardiac output is not strong, so the pressure does not rise.

2–4 weeks of life - the strength of the heart muscle increases, but the child's needs for oxygen and nutrition also increase, so the pressure increases to 80–112 by 50–74 mm Hg. Art.

Up to a year, the child is growing rapidly, and with it the heart - now the pressure is 90-115 to 60-75 mm Hg. Art.

3–6 years - the pressure is what is necessary for the successful provision of a growing organism. The numbers reach 110-115 at 65-75 mm Hg. Art. It becomes noticeable that the lower end of the range is shrinking, this is characteristic of a growing heart muscle.

Normal blood pressure readings in a child may not resemble books, therefore formulas have been developed to calculate the pressure, which is considered optimal in childhood.

6–12 years is an important time for the body, closer to the end of this time period of life, a total restructuring of everything begins in connection with the puberty period, and these changes cannot but affect the pressure. At this time, gender differences arise in the blood pressure indicator - the pressure in boys and girls from this period will differ. The normal pressure in a child of 11 years old is 115-120 by 70-80 mm Hg. Art., that is, reaches adult values.

From the age of 13 to 15 - at this age, hormonal changes continue, but the pressure does not normally increase. High blood pressure during this period may be due to emotional stress, increased mental work, an inactive lifestyle. The pressure norm in a 14-year-old adolescent is the same as in an adult, its upper limit is 120 to 80 mm Hg. Art., and everything that is higher can be a manifestation of full-fledged hypertension with a complete symptom complex.

At the age of 16, 17, a lot of estrogen is synthesized in girls' bodies - a female sex hormone, which has a vasodilating effect and lowers blood pressure. Therefore, some hypotension (persistent low blood pressure) is a common condition for girls, and guys at this age are more likely to experience symptoms of hypertension. This situation persists until the cessation of estrogen synthesis - menopause, when parity is established.

How to measure blood pressure in a child

If a child complains of poor health, dizziness, weakness, insomnia, he has a deterioration in concentration, memory, if he experiences mood swings, is aggressive or quick-tempered, talks about headaches, his blood pressure should be measured so as not to miss a serious pathology.

Noticing any deviation of pressure from the age norm, in no case should you correct it yourself, especially “adult” antihypertensive drugs are especially dangerous for children.

There are several rules that must be followed:

1. The cuff of the tonometer should fit snugly against the arm and not sag. In addition, it should not cover the arm several times, the arm circumference should be 80-100% of the cuff length, otherwise the indicators will not be accurate. Therefore, you should use a special baby cuff, which is often supplied with the tonometer.
2. Measurement should be performed correctly three times on each hand with an interval of 3-5 minutes. After measurement, the average is determined, and it indicates the correct pressure level.
3. The best time to take regular blood pressure measurements is in the morning after waking up and in the evening before bed.
4. The child should be calm, there is no need to measure blood pressure after a hearty meal, during a walk or after it, running, active games, crying. This is not the right time, the resulting figure will not be objective. It is necessary to reassure the child, explain that it is not painful and useful, to interest him. The measurement should be preceded by half an hour of quiet sitting or some kind of leisurely entertainment.
5. It is not necessary to put the cuff on clothes, even thin ones - this knocks down the indicators of the device, interferes with the measurement.
6. The measurement is carried out in a sitting position (for infants, it is also allowed in a supine position), while the cuff should be located at the same level with the heart, and the cuff tube should be parallel to the radial artery.
7. If the tonometer is not mechanical, do not hold the pear in your hands while deflating and counting the numbers on the device screen - the pulsation of the arteries in the hand can knock the device down and the result will be incorrect.

By following these rules, you can get an accurate result. Often there is no need to carry out it yourself - a doctor can do it, acting according to the protocol and with maximum accuracy.

6–12 years is an important time for the body, closer to the end of this time period of life, a total restructuring of everything begins in connection with the pubertal period. At this time, there are gender differences in blood pressure.

Causes of pathological pressure in children

So, what pressure should be in children 12 years old, 13 years old, 14 years old and so on, we found out. Now let's talk about what may be the reason for the deviation of blood pressure from the norm.

An increase in blood pressure in children can cause:

• emotional stress (the most common cause of hypertension in children, especially in emotionally labile children);
• intense physical activity (active games, running) and some time after it;
• painful sensations (falls, injuries);
• as well as diseases of the kidneys, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system (secondary hypertension).

Primary hypertension in children is mild, that is, it rarely has severe symptoms.

Low blood pressure in a child occurs with severe fatigue, lack of sleep, lack of regular physical activity (later this condition can lead to hypertension if it is prolonged), infectious diseases (especially in chronic form), allergies, taking certain medications, helminthic invasions, violation of the regimen sleep and wakefulness.

Noticing any deviation of pressure from the age norm, in no case should you correct it yourself, especially “adult” antihypertensive drugs are especially dangerous for children. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will conduct an examination, find out the exact cause of the pathology and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

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Blood pressure is different in different vessels. Arterial (pressure in the arteries) is higher than venous (pressure in the veins). The unit of measurement for blood pressure is millimeter mercury.

Blood pressure (BP) is divided into:

• systolic, or diabetes mellitus (sometimes popularly called "upper") - blood pressure in arterial vessels during the period of contraction of the heart muscle;
• diastolic, or DD ("lower") - blood pressure during relaxation of the heart muscle.

Blood pressure depends on the type (size or caliber) of the vessel: the larger the vessel, the higher the pressure. It is generally accepted to consider the pressure in the brachial artery as normal; it is in this artery that it is measured using a tonometer. Many literate patients know how to measure blood pressure and observe its changes, but not everyone knows what the normal blood pressure should be in children. Let's talk about this in this article, and also tell you about the causes and symptoms of an increase or decrease in blood pressure in babies.

Blood pressure also depends on age: the younger the child, the lower the pressure. This is due to the fact that in small children and the walls of the vessels are more elastic, and the lumen of the vessels is wider, and the capillary network is more developed. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase with age.

Until about 5 years old, the pressure does not differ in children of different sexes, and from 5 years old - in girls it is slightly lower (up to about 9 years old). With age, the pressure reaches the level of 110/60 - 120/70, and then these indicators are kept for a long time.

Normal blood pressure in different ages the child can be calculated using special formulas. So, for infants, the calculation of diabetes is carried out according to the formula 76 + 2m (m is the child's age in months). After a year, normal diabetes mellitus is 90 + 2L (l is the number of years of the child). The upper limit of the SD norm is 105 + 2L, and the lower limit of the SD norm is 75 + 2L.

Normally, DD in children of the first year of life is equal to 2/3 to 1/2 of the systolic pressure, and after a year it is calculated according to the formula 60 + l (l - how old is the child). The upper limit of the DD norm is 75 + l, and the lower one is 45+ l.

In children, both an increase in blood pressure (hypertension) and a decrease in blood pressure (hypotension) are often noted. This is especially true for puberty (puberty).

Causes of arterial hypertension in children

An increase in blood pressure occurs in 5-10% of children, more often in adolescence. Distinguish between primary and secondary (associated with any disease) arterial hypertension.

An example is the identification of high blood pressure in adolescents in the absence of another disease, a symptom of which could be hypertension. Such drops in blood pressure are noted in girls at the age of 12-13, in boys at 14-15. In this case, an increase in blood pressure is associated with hormonal changes in the body during puberty, mainly with an increase in the level of aldosterone and adrenaline.

The vascular system as a result of exposure to hormones narrows, which leads to an increase in pressure. Most often, the pressure in adolescence rises sporadically, but it can be noted daily. IN school age high blood pressure is detected most often by accident.

The reason for the increase in pressure may be a violation of the daily regimen, insufficient sleep duration, increased physical (for example, sports) loads, excessively long time spent at the computer, psycho-emotional trauma and stressful situations. If you streamline the child's intellectual and physical activity and rest, then the pressure can return to normal.

If the maximum values \u200b\u200bexceed 135 mm Hg, a detailed examination of the child is necessary to establish the cause of hypertension, since it may be one of the symptoms of a disease, other manifestations of which have not yet been identified. Such a reason can be diseases of the endocrine system, kidneys, heart.

Secondary hypertension can be caused by:

• violation of vascular tone due to the influence of the autonomic nervous system;
• renal pathology (in 70% of cases);
• endocrine pathology;
• cardiovascular pathology;
• brain damage;
• poisoning.

Let's dwell on some of them in more detail.

Renal secondary hypertension

There are many reasons for the development of renal hypertension:

• narrowing of the renal artery;
• compression of the renal artery by tumor or inflammatory tissue;
• anomaly of kidney development;
• inflammation of the kidney tissue ();
• (chronic or acute);
• and other reasons.

Endocrine secondary hypertension

Endocrine pathology can also cause arterial hypertension:

• hyperaldosteronism (primary or secondary) - increased production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands due to a tumor or benign growth of the adrenal cortex; secondary hyperaldosteronism also develops with a narrowing of the renal artery;
• hypercortisolism or - an increase in the function of the adrenal cortex, which develops with tumors of the pituitary gland or the adrenal cortex itself, with prolonged treatment with hormonal drugs ();
• adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma), which secretes biologically active substances adrenaline and norepinephrine;
• graves' disease, or diffuse toxic goiter, is an autoimmune disease characterized by increased synthesis of hormones.

Cardiovascular secondary hypertension

Cardiovascular disease can also cause an increase in blood pressure:

• narrowing of the aortic isthmus;
• congenital heart disease - non-closure of the botallov's duct: blood pressure rises due to an increase in the minute blood volume.

Brain lesions

Damage to the brain during a tumor process, in trauma or as a result of inflammation of the brain substance () can also cause an increase in blood pressure, among other symptoms.

Poisoning

Poisoning with toxic substances (arsenic, mercury, etc.) can cause an increase in blood pressure along with other symptoms.

Symptoms of arterial hypertension in children

9. Hypotrophy (underweight).

10. By-effect drug treatment.

Somatic diseases also contribute to lowering blood pressure: neurodermatitis, chronic.

Diagnosis of deviations in blood pressure in children

To identify an increase or decrease in blood pressure in comparison with the age norm, the following diagnostic methods are used:

• interviewing the child and mother, during which the presence and nature of complaints, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, the presence of an increased or reduced pressure blood from family members, diseases suffered by the child, etc.;
• measurement of blood pressure on both hands; in the next 2 weeks, blood pressure is measured regularly 3 times a day at home in order to clarify daily fluctuations in blood pressure;
• examination of the child;
• examination: fundus examination, ECG, cerebrovascular examination (rheoencephalography), general analysis blood and biochemical blood test (renal complex) - according to indications, blood test for hormones (if necessary), etc.;
• consultation of a neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other specialists (according to indications).

Treatment of arterial hypertension and hypotension in children

Treatment of deviations from the normal age level of blood pressure is divided into non-drug and drug therapy.

Drug-free treatment

Non-drug treatment practically does not differ with high and low blood pressure:

• normalization of the psychological situation at school, creating a calm atmosphere of comfort at home;
• compliance with the age-appropriate daily regimen (including weekends); restriction of watching movies and computer games (especially in evening time before bedtime);
• elimination of physical and mental overload, alternation of work and rest; it is necessary to reconsider the study load (perhaps, to abandon classes with a tutor, from parallel studies at a music school, etc.);
• the physical activity of children in uncomplicated cases is not limited, regular physical education is recommended; shows swimming, horse riding, daily stay in the fresh air for at least 2 hours and walking for 30 minutes;
• healthy lifestyle, prevention of smoking and use of drugs in adolescents;
• full rational nutrition, 4-5 meals a day during the day, daily consumption of at least 300 g of fruits and vegetables; with low blood pressure, it is recommended to consume sweet, strongly brewed tea with lemon several times a day;
• restriction of the use of table salt, seasonings and spices, smoked foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, etc in case of hypertension; with hypotension, calcium-containing foods are recommended (cottage cheese, sauerkraut, etc.).
• with a reduced blood pressure, it is recommended to accustom the child to a contrast shower, it has a tonic effect (you should start with an alternation of warm and cool water, gradually lowering and increasing the temperature of the water, bring it to an alternation of hot and cold water in 2-3 weeks);
• massage of the collar area has a good effect.

Drug therapy

The first priority is to treat the underlying disease. Only a doctor should decide on the need for drug treatment to correct blood pressure, select, and to increase blood pressure.

Resume for parents

Parents should not be misconceived that upward or downward deviations in blood pressure readings can only occur in adults.

You should not ignore the child's complaints of headache, fatigue and weakness, or try to relieve the headache with drugs familiar to adults. The same "harmless" Citramon, which includes Aspirin, as well as Aspirin itself, can lead to irreversible.

If the child has the complaints listed in the article, or there are behavioral changes, and even more so when an increase or decrease in blood pressure is detected, you should consult a doctor and find out the cause of these deviations. On the recommendation of the doctor, it is necessary to take measures to eliminate the pathology detected in the child.

Which doctor to contact

In case of changes in blood pressure in children, you can first consult a pediatrician and take measures to normalize the child's lifestyle. If this does not bring an effect, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist. When a secondary nature of pressure changes is detected, the child is sent for a consultation with an endocrinologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, nephrologist, cardiac surgeon, depending on the identified disease.