Children and High Blood Pressure:
Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, September 10 and December 17
Show 324

 

Two-year-old Nicholas was born three months premature. His blood pressure level is more like a teen's, rather than an infant's. In addition to premature birth, and low birth weight, obesity is a contributing factor in the increase of hypertension in children and teens. "In those with high enough blood pressure, we can see strokes and seizure," says Dr. Bruce Morgenstern, pediatrician at Phoenix Children's Hospital. High blood pressure in children is on the rise. Untreated, it can damage the heart, brain, kidney and eyes. "Weight is key. Our quality of food is down and portion size is up," says Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavey, pediatric cardiologist at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Dr. Morgenstern recommends a combination of medication and therapeutic lifestyle changes to control blood pressure. "Your diet should be lower in fat and salt, and you should increase aerobic exercise," he says. Kids who eat fruits, vegetables and dairy products have the lowest blood pressure.

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For more about high blood pressure in children and Dr. Bruce Morgenstern click here.

For more about Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes or TLC click here.

For more about high blood pressure in children and Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavey, pediatric cardiologist at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute click here.

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