The 2026 Free Health Check Program (CKG) found that approximately 663,000 school-age children had high blood pressure. This finding indicates that hypertension in children is no longer a rare condition and requires increased attention from parents and healthcare professionals.
Many people assume high blood pressure, or hypertension, is only experienced by adults. In reality, high blood pressure is increasingly common in children, including school-aged children and adolescents. Moreover, this condition often appears without obvious symptoms, so it often goes unnoticed.
If not recognized early, hypertension, or high blood pressure, in children can increase the risk of various health complications later in life, ranging from heart problems and kidney damage to cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Therefore, it is crucial for parents to understand the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent this condition early.
Understanding Hypertension or High Blood Pressure in Children
Hypertension, or high blood pressure in children, is a condition where a child's blood pressure is above the normal range for age, gender, and height. Unlike adults, who have standard blood pressure readings, children's blood pressure is assessed using a special percentile chart.
In recent years, cases of childhood hypertension have increased. This has led to the recommendation of blood pressure screening as part of routine health evaluations, especially for school-age children.
Various health screening results indicate that high blood pressure in children is becoming increasingly common. This condition can occur in children who are overweight, who frequently consume high-salt foods and sugary drinks, and who lack physical activity, which can lead to excessive sedentary behavior and excessive use of gadgets. Hypertension can also occur in children with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or hormonal disorders.
Why is High Blood Pressure in Children Often Detected Too Late?
One reason childhood hypertension is often diagnosed late is because most cases don't cause any typical symptoms. Many children appear active and healthy despite having high blood pressure.
Some complaints that can actually be signs of hypertension are often considered minor problems, such as:
- Recurrent headaches
- Easily tired
- Difficulty focusing
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Dizzy
In more severe conditions, children may experience:
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Heart palpitations
Because the symptoms are nonspecific, many parents don't realize the importance of checking their children's blood pressure. This screening is especially important if the child has certain risk factors.
Why Are Children Today More Susceptible to High Blood Pressure?
1. Childhood Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension in children. Excess weight can make the heart work harder and increase pressure on blood vessels. The current rise in childhood obesity cases is also linked to a sedentary lifestyle and a high-calorie diet.
2. Consuming High-Salt and Ultra-Processed Foods
Fast food, instant meals, packaged snacks, and high-sugar drinks are now more readily available to children every day. High salt and sugar content can affect blood pressure from an early age. Long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods can also increase the risk of other diseases.
3. Lack of Physical Activity
Children who sit for too long, play with gadgets, or spend too much screen time tend to be less active. Physical activity is important for maintaining heart health and helping control blood pressure. Lack of physical activity also contributes to weight gain in children.
4. Poor Sleep Patterns
Lack of sleep and staying up late, especially among teenagers, can impact heart health and blood pressure. Insufficient sleep can also disrupt hormonal balance in the body.
5. Hereditary Factors
A family history of hypertension puts children at a higher risk of developing the condition. Therefore, children with parents with hypertension should have more regular health checkups.
6. Certain Diseases
In some cases, hypertension in children can be triggered by certain medical conditions, such as:
- Kidney disorders
- Congenital heart defects
- Hormonal disorders
- Side effects of certain medications
How Do Doctors Confirm a Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure in Children?
Diagnosing hypertension in children cannot be done with a single examination. Doctors will usually perform several evaluations, including:
- Blood pressure measurements several times at different times
- Blood pressure assessment according to the child's age, gender, and height
- Blood and urine tests if necessary
- Evaluation of kidney and heart function
- Further examinations such as kidney ultrasound or echocardiography in certain conditions
It is important to carry out a thorough examination to find out the cause of hypertension as well as assess whether complications have occurred in certain body organs.
How to Control and Prevent Hypertension or High Blood Pressure in Children
1. Reduce Consumption of Salt and Ultra-Processed Foods
A healthy diet is an important step in preventing hypertension in children. Parents are advised to limit their children's food intake, including:
- High salt foods
- Instant food
- Fast food
- High sugar drinks
Instead, increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and home-cooked meals with more controlled nutritional content.
2. Encourage Children to be More Active
Children are advised to be active for at least 60 minutes every day. Physical activity can help maintain weight, improve heart health, and help stabilize blood pressure.
Activities can be:
- Playing outside the house
- Bicycle
- Swim
- Exercising with family
3. Manage your sleep patterns and screen time.
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, including maintaining stable blood pressure. Furthermore, limiting screen time can help children become more active.
4. Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle in the Family
Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits if the entire family participates. Parents can set an example by choosing healthy foods and engaging in regular physical activity.
5. Treatment if necessary
In certain circumstances, doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medication if lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control a child's blood pressure. Medication should be used according to the doctor's instructions and accompanied by regular monitoring.
6. Routine Health Check-ups
Regular health check-ups help detect hypertension early before it causes more serious complications.
When Should Parents Take Their Children to the Doctor?
Parents should immediately take their child to the doctor if they experience:
- Recurrent headaches
- Easily tired without any clear cause
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Visual disturbances
Early screening can help prevent complications and ensure optimal child growth and development.
Article written by Dr. Ocean Stefanny Yandra W, Sp.A (Pediatrician at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).