Monitoring blood pressure is a significant part of a child’s health. Blood pressure reflects the force of blood against the walls of their arteries as the heart pumps. Pediatricians regularly assess this during routine check-ups. This helps identify potential health concerns early, allowing for timely intervention.
Understanding Blood Pressure in Children
Blood pressure readings are composed of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure, the higher number, indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pushes blood out. The diastolic pressure, the lower number, represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats and fills with blood. These values are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), such as 110/70 mmHg, where 110 is the systolic and 70 is the diastolic pressure.
A child’s blood pressure values differ from adult ranges and also vary among children. Factors like age, height, and sex influence what is considered a typical reading for a child. As children grow, their blood pressure naturally increases with age. A “normal” reading for a 5-year-old will be different from that of a teenager or an infant.
Normal Blood Pressure for a 5-Year-Old
Normal blood pressure for a 5-year-old is not based on fixed numbers like adult guidelines (e.g., 120/80 mmHg). Healthcare providers use percentile charts that account for a child’s age, height, and sex. These charts compare a child’s blood pressure to others of the same age, height, and sex.
For instance, a blood pressure reading in the 65th percentile means that 35% of children of the same age, height, and sex have higher blood pressure, while 65% have lower or equal readings. Normal blood pressure for a child is defined as both systolic and diastolic pressures falling below the 90th percentile for their age, height, and sex. Readings between the 90th and less than the 95th percentile are considered “elevated blood pressure,” indicating a risk for high blood pressure.
A diagnosis of hypertension in children is made when blood pressure readings are consistently at or above the 95th percentile across multiple measurements, typically over three different visits. For a 5-year-old, a general idea of normal numbers might be around 100/60 mmHg, but percentile charts provide the precise assessment. For example, a 5-year-old girl who is 116 cm tall and at the 95th height percentile might have a 90th percentile blood pressure of 109/69 mmHg.
When to Consult a Doctor
Parents should consult a doctor if their 5-year-old consistently shows blood pressure readings outside the normal range. While a single elevated reading might be due to temporary factors like anxiety or activity, persistent high readings warrant medical attention. Hypertension in children often presents without obvious symptoms, making regular screenings at annual check-ups important.
Some symptoms can indicate abnormal blood pressure and require medical evaluation. For high blood pressure, these might include:
Frequent headaches
Changes in vision
Dizziness
In more severe cases, seizures, vomiting, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Conversely, symptoms of low blood pressure can include:
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Nausea
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion
Avoid self-diagnosing based solely on home readings. A healthcare professional is equipped to interpret blood pressure readings accurately. They can determine if further tests are needed to identify any underlying causes, such as kidney disease or heart conditions, and provide guidance and treatment.