What causes high blood pressure in children?

Elevated blood pressure in children may be caused by excessive emotional fluctuations, intense physical activity, hyperthyroidism, glomerulonephritis, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive emotional fluctuations: Emotional states such as tension or anxiety may lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. This occurs because emotional changes can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing increased heart rate and blood vessel constriction, thereby raising blood pressure. Parents are advised to closely monitor their child's emotional state, provide comfort and guidance when needed, and help maintain emotional stability, which can help alleviate this condition.

2. Intense physical activity: After vigorous exercise, children may experience a temporary rise in blood pressure due to accelerated metabolism and increased circulation. Encourage children to engage in moderate physical activity while avoiding overly strenuous exercise. Performing proper warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after physical activity can reduce the risk of elevated blood pressure.

3. Hyperthyroidism: This condition may be associated with long-term consumption of high-iodine foods or poor dietary habits. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones in the body can lead to high blood pressure and may also cause palpitations. Children should follow medical advice and take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or carbimazole tablets as prescribed.

4. Glomerulonephritis: This may result from improper use of nephrotoxic drugs or unhealthy dietary habits. The condition can lead to sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume and subsequently causing hypertension. It may also be accompanied by back pain. Treatment should follow medical guidance and may include medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, Jinshuibao capsules, and amoxicillin capsules.

5. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease: This is generally caused by factors such as chronic sleep deprivation and excessive mental stress. The disease can increase cardiac workload and vascular resistance in children, potentially leading to hypertension and possibly accompanied by shortness of breath. Under a doctor’s supervision, children may take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, verapamil hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, or metoprolol tartrate tablets to manage symptoms.

In daily life, children are advised to maintain a light diet, engage in appropriate physical activities—such as walking or practicing tai chi—and avoid staying up late, all of which can help improve the aforementioned conditions.