Hypertension

Hypertension

https://infokid.org.uk/conditions/hypertension/

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is when the blood pressure is too high. This can be serious, especially if it remains high for a long time. Hypertension can increase the risk of getting heart disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD) or having a stroke.

Hypertension in children is uncommon but increasing. It is more common in children who are severely overweight or have kidney disease. If your child has high blood pressure, their doctor will try to find out what is causing it and whether it is affecting other parts of their body, such as their kidneys. Your child may need to make changes to their diet and/or take medicines.

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More information

  • Blood pressure

    Blood pressure (BP) is the force, or pressure, that makes the blood flow round the body. It is very important that your child’s blood pressure is in a healthy range. If it is too high or too low, your doctor will try to find out what is causing this.

  • Measuring blood pressure

    Information about how children's blood pressure is measured in clinics, surgeries or hospitals, and when you might be asked to measure blood pressure at home.

  • Meet a Paediatric Nurse

    Denise and Rachel are both paediatric nurses at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle and their roles centre around the practical and emotional elements of kidney disease treatments.