Disturbance of blood pressure is usually considered an "adult" problem, however, recently there is a problem of "rejuvenation" of many diseases, so low or high blood pressure in children is no longer a rarity. Of course, there are a number of reasons that can affect short-term pressure changes, for example, physical stress, stress, childhood illnesses, but it also happens that the child's blood pressure deviates from the average statistical indicators constantly. And this, in turn, can indicate the presence of serious diseases, so you should periodically monitor the indicators and know the age norms of blood pressure in children.
What kind of blood pressure in children is normal?
It should be noted that the blood pressure in children is significantly lower than in adults and the younger the child, the greater the difference. This is due to the fact that the vessels in children are very elastic, the lumens between them are wide enough, so the blood circulates normally under a relatively small pressure.
So, what are the indicators of blood pressure in children are considered normal? Figures corresponding to age for convenience were reduced to a table of blood pressure in children, according to which the following values are normal:
- 66-71 / 55-58 mm - in children up to 12 months;
- 90-92 / 55-60 mm of mercury - in children over 12 months old;
- 100-140 / 70-90 mm of mercury - in adolescents.
Up to 7 years, the growth of pressure indicators is rather slow, and then it is gaining momentum and by about 16 years the indices are equal with adults. Up to 5 years, the norms for boys and girls are the same, and in older age, boys are characterized by higher rates. There is also a formula for calculating the norm of blood pressure in children. So, in order to calculate the normal systolic (upper) pressure of kids up to a year, you need to add 2n to 76, where n is the age in months. After a year to 90, you also need to add 2n, but n will already denote the number of years. Normal diastolic pressure in infants is 2 / 3-1 / 2 of the upper limit of the systolic, in children after 1 year - 60 + n.
Measuring blood pressure in children
With a tonometer, it's easy to do at home. The rules for measuring the pressure in children are similar to those for adults and are as follows:
- the pressure is measured in a quiet state. If the procedure was preceded by physical activity or emotional outbursts, you need to wait for enough time for the child to catch his breath or calm down;
- The first and subsequent measurements should be carried out in one sitting or sitting position;
- For cuff measurements, cuffs appropriate to age should be used. Very often errors in the measurement of indicators occur due to an incorrect cuff volume.
Low blood pressure in children is relatively rare, most often there is hypertension.
Elevated blood pressure in children
Systolic pressure often increases in children and adolescents. Excess weight and
Low blood pressure in children
Low blood pressure indicates hypotension. It is often accompanied by general weakness, fatigue, headaches. If hypotension is not a consequence of heart disease, then to enhance the pressure also helps to increase activity, as well as hardening and caffeine in reasonable doses.