09 | 18 | 2007 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long

Doctors Frequently Miss High Blood Pressure in Kids: New Study

One-and-a-half million U.S. children have undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to researchers from Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University -- and doctors accurately diagnose the condition in kids only 25% of the time.  The findings are part of a recent study involving 14,000 kids from 3 to 18 years of age and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). 

Researchers say the missed diagnosis likely occurs because of the way blood pressure is screened in pediatric patients.  Recommended blood pressure levels for kids are calculated on a sliding scale of height and weight percentiles, and due to body fluctuations associated with growth, three consecutive high readings are required for a diagnosis of hypertension.  These bothersome sliding scale calculations combined with the long interval between well-child check-ups means that fewer opportunities exist to notice such dangerous trends.  Researchers say the research should alert parents to the fact that hypertension does exist in children, and that obesity and a poor diet are often primary contributors to the condition.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend these lifestyle interventions for maintaining healthy blood pressure in kids:

  • "Weight control. If your child is overweight, losing the excess pounds or maintaining the same weight as he or she gets taller can lower blood pressure. Rather than singling out your child, focus on healthy lifestyle choices for the whole family.
  • Healthy diet. Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast. Provide plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Trade white bread, rice and pasta for whole-wheat varieties. Limit the amount of sodium in your child's diet. Don't keep sugary snacks or drinks in the house.
  • Physical activity. Most children need at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day. To promote physical activity, limit your child's time in front of the television or computer — no television before age 2, and no more than two hours of "screen time" a day after age 2. Set a good example by joining in the fun. Ride your bikes together, play catch or walk to the park."
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
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