by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Question I was wondering why it would be that a child of normal weight who is physically active would have high blood pressure? 
--Noelle, via Twitter

Answer Although rare, there are many causes of high blood pressure in children.  Some examples are:

Articles, reviews, recipes and more.
Click here for FREE sign-up.

• Follow Us: Twitter Facebook

• kidney disease
• heart or blood vessel disease
• hormone imbalance
• taking medicines such as steroids, cold medicine, birth control pills
• too much salt intake in salt-sensitive people

Sometimes it's just the way the body works, which is the cause in most adults (called essential hypertension).  Your child will need a workup, including a thorough check of kidneys, hormones and heart.  A physical exam, blood work and possible X-rays may be required.  It's important to get your child's blood pressure back to the normal range.

A more detailed answer to your question is in our March/April 2009 print issue of James Hubbard's My Family Doctor.

JAMES HUBBARD, M.D., M.P.H., is the publisher of James Hubbard's My Family Doctor, the magazine written by health-care professionals for the general public.  He has been a family doctor for over 25 years.

RELATED TOPICS: Prehypertension in young people

Last updated and/or approved: January 2009.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed