Blood pressure in a child from 0 to 17 years old: norms and how to measure it correctly

A child's blood pressure depends on many factors - including age, and in children it is slightly lower than in adults. But this does not mean at all that you should not pay attention to the child's pressure. The topic is very important and, unfortunately, not all parents are interested in it. And in vain, because sometimes measuring the child's pressure is vital. What do you need to know about children's pressure and how to react to its change? Read below.

A change in blood pressure does not always mean that something is wrong with the child - it can increase or decrease due to stress, weather changes, physical exertion or lack of activity. Do not think that external changes affect only people of age, children are also susceptible to the influence of external factors. But it is worth consulting a doctor if significant deviations from the norm are constant, and in addition to this, the child complains of a headache or simply feeling unwell. Such a condition of the child should definitely alert adults.

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As a rule, blood pressure refers to arterial pressure, and it is measured using special devices - tonometers. Tonometers are mechanical, when you need to hear the pulse, and electronic - the pressure values ​​are displayed on the monitor in the form of numbers. As a rule, these are 3 values ​​- upper pressure, lower and pulse. Of course, mechanical tonometers are more accurate, but for measuring pressure in babies it is better to use electronic tonometers.

• Systolic pressure (upper), this is the pressure of blood in the arteries at the moment of heart contraction. The ventricles of the heart contract and push blood into the vessels, creating pressure there. The level of systolic blood pressure depends mainly on the strength and speed of heart contraction, the condition of the myocardium.
• Diastolic (lower) pressure is the pressure maintained in the vessels when the heart relaxes. This pressure is influenced by the condition of the vessels, their elasticity and resilience, as well as the total blood volume and the frequency of heart muscle contractions.

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The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called pulse pressure and normally it should be about 30-40 units, but not more than 60% of systolic pressure. The units of measurement of blood pressure are millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Blood pressure norms in children from birth to 6 years old

How to measure a child's blood pressure

If you need to measure your child's blood pressure at home, an electronic blood pressure monitor is better, but you will definitely need to purchase a children's cuff - a regular one won't fit a small hand.

• It is better to measure blood pressure in a calm state, after sleep, but not after active games. For babies under one year old, blood pressure is measured in a lying position, for older children - sitting, if they can sit quietly for a few minutes.
• The child's hand should lie on a hard surface (a table will do) at chest level and turned palm up.
• Attach the cuff to the upper arm so that your finger can pass between it and the child's arm. During the measurement, the child should be relaxed, not talking, it is better if there is a support under the back.
• Inflate the cuff with air to the signal on the tonometer, then slowly release the valve, releasing the air.
• For greater accuracy, repeat the procedure 2-3 times, the lowest value is accepted as correct.
• If you are concerned about your child's blood pressure and they are complaining of malaise and headaches, measure their blood pressure for several days in a row at the same time and under the same conditions. Record the results and show them to your doctor during your appointment.

Given the relevance of the problem of arterial dystonia in children, monitoring the child's blood pressure is necessary, especially if there are complaints such as headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or the presence of arterial hypertension or hypotension in the parents.

Blood pressure in children from birth to 15 years. Table

From 5 to 10 years, the blood pressure in girls is slightly higher than the blood pressure in boys, so the difference in numbers on the tonometer is not worth worrying about. After 10 years, the picture is reversed: the pressure rises slightly higher in boys, and this condition persists until 16-17 years. Then the pressure returns to normal.

Blood pressure in children aged 7 to 17 years

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You can also determine the child's blood pressure norm using the formula. This formula will especially help parents of babies under one year old. If you suspect that the child's capriciousness is related to changes in pressure, it is better to be safe and still make sure that the baby's pressure is normal.

When calculating a child's blood pressure using the formula, a deviation of up to 30 units in the upward direction is allowed. So you shouldn't sound the alarm prematurely. But consulting a pediatrician in any case won't hurt.

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Heart rate norms in children. Table

IMPORTANT! Treatment for high or low blood pressure can only be prescribed by a doctor after an examination and testing. Never self-medicate or take medications on your own.

A child diagnosed with arterial dystonia must be examined by a pediatrician and a pediatric neurologist to make an accurate diagnosis and receive recommendations for further examination and treatment. If your child has arterial hyper- or hypotension, it is necessary to observe the correct daily routine and rest, dosed dynamic sports and hardening. Parents should develop in their child the correct behavioral stereotype and attitude to changes in his blood pressure, which will help to avoid the formation of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system in the future.