Hypertension Treatment for Children in Maryland and Virginia

What is Hypertension?

A very common condition, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Because blood pressure is a measure of how much blood your heart pumps and how resistant your arteries are to blood flow, narrow arteries generally means high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause many health problems including heart disease.

The board-certified pediatric cardiologists at The Children’s Heart Institute, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, specialize in treating and managing hypertension in children. Learn more about hypertension and schedule your child’s appointment at any of our 12 pediatric cardiology offices in Maryland and Virginia today.

What Are the Types of Hypertension?

While high blood pressure is often grouped into one general category, there are actually two categories:

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension is when there is no direct cause. This type most commonly occurs in adults, and develops over the course of a number of years.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs when there is an existing condition or direct cause. This type will appear suddenly and will cause a much higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and kidney issues as well as alcohol or drug abuse can lead to secondary hypertension.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Because high blood pressure is so common, there are a number of different causes. Many of the most common include:

• Obesity
• A high sodium diet.
• Alcohol or tobacco abuse.
• Old age.
• High stress.
• Chronic conditions or a family history of high blood pressure.
• Pregnancy.
• Lack of physical activity.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

In order to properly diagnose high blood pressure, a healthcare professional will measure your blood pressure using a gauge that goes around your arm. This gauge will measure both systolic pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, or the pressure between beats.

The following gives an idea of what your blood pressure levels indicate:

Normal Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120 / Diastolic: 80

Elevated Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120-129 / Diastolic: Below 80

Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic: 130-199 / Diastolic: 80-89

Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic: 140 / Diastolic: 90

In addition to a blood pressure test, your doctor may suggest further monitoring, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or tests such as a urinalysis, blood test, or cholesterol test.

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe you a number of various medications. Some of the most common types may include:

• Diuretics
• Beta-Blockers
• Renin Inhibitors
• Angiotensin-converting and receptor blockers
• Alpha and alpha-beta blockers

In addition, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you will be asked to make to treat your hypertension. These may include:

• Decreasing sodium in your diet
• Ceasing smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Losing weight
• Creating consistent exercise plans
• Practicing relaxation and breathing
• Eating healthy foods

If your child is experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure and you would like to discuss options, contact Children’s Heart Institute today.