High blood pressure is mainly associated with adults, and especially the elderly. But recently, medical statistics give a very disturbing warning: more and more children are facing this problem just like their parents and grandparents. Why – and what about it?
Recent large-scale studies, for which experts collected data in many countries of the world, show that the number of children and young people with high blood pressure has doubled in the last twenty years. This is of course very disturbing information, especially for those of us who live (whatever we think) in affluence.
The following video also informs about high blood pressure:
The problems can be very serious
In the case of high blood pressure, we must also explain the many related effects on the body. It is not just about the measured value itself. With higher pressure also come other problems that trigger problems with the heart and the entire circulatory system, it increases and myocardial infarction or stroke. Of course, this is far from all, but even this short list is certainly enough to be able to imagine how much danger doctors are discussing in this case.
Obesity is to blame for everything
In order to try to fight such a problematic development, it is also necessary to be aware of the causes that lead to such a state. The main trigger is clearly the ever-increasing percentage of obese children across the developed world. It is precisely those extra kilograms that become the trigger of hypertension in most cases, although in rare cases, of course, there may be other causes as well. But they are currently in the minority.
More blood, inflammation, action of fat…
Why exactly is obesity the condition that (not only) in children can most likely cause an increase in blood pressure? This is due to the fact that it complicates blood circulation in several ways. In short, in a “big” body, there is a larger volume of blood that the heart has to pump, which places higher demands on the pressure at which it does so. Furthermore, it is the so-called , which damages the elasticity of blood vessels and causes chronic inflammation in the body. Last but not least, the fat tissue itself in the abdominal area actively secretes substances that directly affect the regulation of blood pressure – and not in a positive way.
It is about the child’s future
For the above reasons, it is necessary to realize that childhood hypertension is not just a temporary problem that would soon disappear on its own. It has fundamental effects not only on the child’s current state of health, but also on his future and can lead to fatal consequences at an older age. If we ignore high blood pressure in a child, such a person at an older age could face fatal consequences, which we have already reported on – destroyed blood vessels, enlarged and diseased heart, heart attack, stroke…
Regular checks are essential
The problem is the fact that we usually do not think about high blood pressure in a child at all, which is why it is discovered accidentally during a routine check-up with a doctor. It is therefore essential that parents request (if not done automatically) a blood pressure check at standard child and adolescent check-ups. This is especially important for children who do not stay within optimal weight limits.
Set an example for your children
Regular check-ups are of course important, but so is prevention. Of course, the best way to help your child – and indeed yourself – in the fight against high blood pressure is to lead by example. It is about weight control and the inclusion of higher doses of exercise in daily life, but also about the regulated intake of sodium, especially in the form of salt, which can be found in all industrially processed foods, including fast food, chips and the like. If we, as adults, live as healthy as possible, such behavior will also be natural for our offspring. Let’s remember that preventing a problem is always much better than its subsequent treatment.
