What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension as it is often called, refers to the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels which can lead to serious kidney disease, heart disease, and numerous other issues.
How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
Usually, blood pressure is considered “high” when it is above 140/90 and is considered severe when it is 180/120. A doctor will check your blood pressure at most visits, but you can also monitor your blood pressure at home.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Even if blood pressure numbers reach a dangerous level, most people have no symptoms. Few people will experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but these symptoms are not common and usually only occur when blood pressure has reached a dangerous or life-threatening stage.
Is it possible for children to have high blood pressure?
While not as common, kids can have high blood pressure. Unlike adults, there isn’t a target blood pressure for children as what is considered “normal” changes as they grow. Usually, a child is considered to have hypertension if the blood pressure is the same as or above 95% of children who are the same age, sex, and height of your child.
Are symptoms different for children?
As with adults, most children with high blood pressure won’t present with symptoms, however, the following symptoms could be a sign of a hypertension-related emergency:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Chest pains
- Fast, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath
When to see a doctor.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have been told you’re at risk for high blood pressure and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
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