Steps to ward off hypertension in kids

SEMARANG (JP): The medical world is paying increasing attention to hypertension among children and youths, especially after the finding that about five percent of children worldwide suffer from it.

"This health problem should be handled seriously otherwise it may cause death or permanent disability," says Lydia Kristanti, expert in child health from Diponegoro University, Semarang.

Hypertension should get early and proper treatment before it affects vital organs and endangers life, she says.

Late treatment of hypertension will increase the risk of vascular damage that may lead to deadly heart, kidney and cerebrovascular ailments.

According to Lydia, the death rates from heart attacks and strokes are declining in industrialized countries like the U.S. and Japan as well as in Europe. But the incidence are rising in poor countries because of late detection, improper medication and the lack of knowledge of how to prevent hypertension among children.

Obesity, strenuous physical activities, stress and alcohol have been identified as the major causes of hypertension. The chance of an obese person having hypertension is believed to be six times higher than for a person of normal size.

Lydia says the probability that a child will be obese is as high as 80 percent if both of their parents are obese, 40 percent if only one of them is obese and 7 percent if neither parent is so.

Research has found that an adult's blood pressure has a correlation with their childhood blood pressure.

"This finding suggests that prevention of obesity during childhood is useful in preventing hypertension when one reaches adulthood," Lydia notes.

Experts have also found that a cardiovascular anomaly is caused by hypertension suffered during childhood.

Besides, one who lacks physical exercise has a risk 20-50 percent higher than one who is physically active. Aerobic exercise is highly recommended to prevent hypertension.

Stress, alcohol and a polluted environment have been singled out as major causes of hypertension which can be disastrous for not only the heart but also the brain and kidneys.

"An estimated 15 to 20 percent of kidney failures are caused by hypertension," Lydia notes, adding that about 20 percent of adults and five percent of children worldwide are sufferers.

In addition, between 20 and 50 percent of natural deaths can be traced to hypertension.

Lydia recommends regular exercise, a balanced diet, less salt and less alcohol to prevent hypertension.

She emphasizes the need to wage a nationwide information campaign on hypertension: why it occurs, how to handle it and how to prevent it.

People who have hypertension, she says, should be informed of the need to change their lifestyles, and given the regular medication.

Lydia says more research on hypertension is underway for early detection of the symptoms.

"Early detection is useful in helping children to enjoy a brighter life," she says. (har)