High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is often thought of as an adult condition. However, children and teenagers can also develop high blood pressure, which may put them at risk for serious health issues if left untreated. At Vista Medical Center, providers carefully evaluate children for hypertension, identify possible causes, and create management plans to protect long-term health.
Led by Dr. Haroon Rashid, Vista Medical Center offers pediatric-focused care across Northern Virginia. With convenient locations in Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale, our team provides accessible, family-centered support for children with high blood pressure.
What Is High Blood Pressure in Children?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. In children, hypertension is diagnosed based on age, sex, and height-specific charts. Consistently high readings may signal an underlying health issue or lifestyle factor contributing to the condition.
Causes of High Blood Pressure in Children
Hypertension in children may result from:
- Primary (essential) hypertension – Often linked to family history, obesity, or lifestyle factors.
- Secondary hypertension – Caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease, heart problems, or hormonal disorders.
- Other contributing factors – Poor diet, lack of exercise, high stress, or certain medications.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure in children often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular checkups are important. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
Because these symptoms can be linked to other conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential.
How High Blood Pressure Is Diagnosed
At Vista Medical Center, providers use a thorough evaluation process, which may include:
- Blood pressure measurement – Taken over multiple visits to confirm accuracy.
- Medical history review – Including family background and lifestyle factors.
- Laboratory tests – To check for kidney, heart, or endocrine issues.
- Imaging studies – If needed, to identify structural causes of hypertension.
Managing High Blood Pressure in Children
Treatment depends on the child’s age, underlying cause, and overall health. Management may include:
- Lifestyle changes – Encouraging healthy diet, physical activity, and weight management.
- Limiting salt intake – Reducing sodium can lower blood pressure significantly.
- Stress management – Helping children learn relaxation and coping techniques.
- Medication – Prescribed in some cases when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
- Ongoing monitoring – Regular checkups to track progress and adjust treatment.
Why Choose Vista Medical Center?
Families rely on Vista Medical Center for pediatric hypertension care because of:
- Experienced Providers – Skilled in detecting and treating high blood pressure in children.
- Personalized Plans – Care tailored to each child’s medical and lifestyle needs.
- Convenient Access – Daily hours from 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM in Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale.
- Comprehensive Care – Integration with nutrition counseling, lab testing, and other pediatric services.
Supporting Children’s Long-Term Health
High blood pressure in children requires careful management to prevent complications later in life. Vista Medical Center partners with families to provide monitoring, guidance, and effective treatment. For more information, contact Crystal City (703) 558-4922, North Arlington (703) 300-9179, Annandale (703) 256-7200.
