Already children and adolescents can suffer from hypertension. Often because they are unsportsmanlike, immobile and overweight. This topic was presented at the Apothekertagung in Schladming (Styria).
Until now it has been assumed that hypertension does not appear as a separate disease until the age of 16, and this has now been refuted: There are now many young people with very high scores. “The 160,000 children in this country already show increased blood pressure, and the trend is rising,” pediatric cardiologist Prim. Doris Ehringer-Schetitska, LKH Wr. Neustadt at the Apothekertagung in Schladming (Styria). Alarm. “Characteristic of the young sufferers is a mild form, often showing only the first, so-called systolic, value increased. Frequently, the family also includes people with hypertension or other heart and vascular-dependent diseases. If not treated, the problem does not disappear by itself, but continues in old age. “And that sometimes has devastating consequences for future adults:
The origin of the disease is usually found in the womb. For example, an overweight or smoking pregnant woman (30 percent continues to smoke) is already “programming” her unborn child’s blood vessels for later hypertension. Keeping an eye on your offspring’s blood pressure is recommended. Ehringer-Schetitska also to all parents of those children, who were received by artificial insemination (IVF). According to a recent study, these people’s blood vessels age faster than average. “Panic is not appropriate, however! However, I advise you to consistently start with the measurements from the school age on, in case of a family history of hypertension earlier. “One of the biggest problems of the young hypertensive patients, however, is overweight! Dr. Ehringer-Schetitska: “50 percent of those affected have obesity. The increase in BMI by one unit also increases blood pressure by 0.55 mmHg. In the arteries ‘heart-healthy’ 16 to 20-year-old American found in a study in more than 30 percent of adolescents deposits as a manifestation of far advanced atherosclerosis.
A diagnosis is complicated, since normal blood pressure limits vary with age, height and gender. Basically, the expert advises the age of 3 for the regular measurement of the values, in the case of existing risk factors earlier. “For correct results, however, a blood pressure cuff must be chosen which has a size suitable for children. The measurement takes place on the right upper arm after a five-minute break, “explains the doctor. If the values are too high, obesity must be reduced and daily exercise must be sought. Even a decrease of one kilogram causes a reduction of the systolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg.
Best sweetened sodas and energy drinks should generally be taken off the menu! Experts see a massive danger to young people, especially in the alleged vitality providers. “Consuming energy drinks can trigger cardiac arrhythmias and is associated with high blood pressure even at an early age,” warns. Ehringer-Schetitska. “These drinks are actually on the ‘black list’ with us, as is already the case in some European countries for young people.” Unfortunately, the issue still remains with young people: The blue haze also favors hypertension. Since 27 percent of teenagers smoke in Austria, this also means long-term illnesses. Are there no organic causes and is it not enough to change the lifestyle (six months!) To get the blood pressure under control,