What should a child's blood pressure be?

Which doctor should I contact if I have high blood pressure? This question worries many people, because the prevalence of arterial hypertension has now increased significantly, in addition, there has been a significant “rejuvenation” of the disease.

In order to prevent the worsening of the disease and not to miss the development of complications, patients should promptly seek qualified medical help.

If signs of hypertension appear, you should first contact a therapist.
If signs of hypertension appear, you should first contact a therapist.

What symptoms require a visit to the doctor or an ambulance?

ambulance

If the pressure rises infrequently, once a week, this is a normal condition inherent in almost every person. This is not considered a signal to visit the clinic.

But if other signs appear, then a visit to the doctor cannot be avoided.

The following symptoms indicate the development of hypertension:

  • memory impairment;
  • very frequent migraines;
  • constant headaches;
  • depressed state;
  • prostration;
  • sharp, regular surges in blood pressure.

Anyone who has started to worry about at least one of the above signs should know the name of a blood pressure doctor and which doctor to contact. It is better to prevent hypertension than to treat it for a long and expensive time.

After some time, these symptoms will be joined by:

  • frequent, intense noise in the ears;
  • facial redness;
  • heavy sweating;
  • spots or circles before the eyes;
  • swelling of the limbs (usually in the morning).

You need to understand one more important point: any of the above signs may be just one of the symptoms of high blood pressure, or it may be a signal of another disease.

For example, swelling of the limbs may indicate a kidney problem or metabolic disorder.

Course of the disease

High blood pressure in a child can occur in 3 stages, which are described in the table:

StagesDescription
IIt is mild and is characterized by slight increases in blood pressure, which normalize during rest. There is a decrease in mental performance, headache, sleep disturbance and irritability.
IIMore serious disorders of cerebral circulation appear with the development of atherosclerosis. Various symptoms of vascular insufficiency and diffuse bilateral decrease in renal function are noted.
IIIA severe stage of hypertension, characterized by a sustained increase in blood pressure. Hypertensive crises occur, which are accompanied by paralysis, paresis and cerebrovascular accidents. Chronic renal failure may develop, as well as cardiac or cerebral pathology, which can be fatal.

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Causes of suspected hypertension

The causative factors for the development of hypertension are:

  • advanced age;
  • problems with the thyroid gland;
  • diabetes mellitus (any stage);
  • unbalanced diet;
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • bad habits;
  • obesity;
  • inactivity.

Sometimes hypertension can develop asymptomatically, clearly manifesting itself only at the onset of a hypertensive crisis.

Then, in addition to too high blood pressure, the person experiences:

  • severe headache localized in the occipital region;
  • dizziness with nausea;
  • hoarse cough with shortness of breath;
  • pain near the heart;
  • panic and high nervousness.

Timely seeking help is the fastest and surest way to delay hypertension indefinitely.

And for this, it is very important to know which doctor treats blood pressure in adults, so that you can immediately contact him without wasting time.

Diagnostics

man on ecg

It is very important to identify health problems based on the listed symptoms. The sooner this happens, the better. By postponing a visit to the doctor, you may not have time to help yourself.

Strokes and heart attacks are often fatal. The specialist who should be seen immediately after a deterioration in health (if the patient does not know which doctor treats blood pressure) is a therapist; hypertension is always accompanied by an increase in blood pressure.

It may happen that you will have to contact several highly specialized specialists at once. During the initial therapeutic examination, they must determine the causative factor of high blood pressure.

If this cannot be done, or the doctor doubts something, then a comprehensive diagnosis is prescribed.

The therapist can determine:

  1. The presence of neoplasms in the abdominal cavity by palpation.
  2. Performance of the endocrine system.
  3. Heart rate.
  4. What are your blood pressure readings?

If necessary (and this often happens), additional examination is prescribed. It could be:

  1. ECG and echocardiography to clarify the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
  2. Extended and general blood test.
  3. Study of leg vessels in atherosclerosis (and not only).
  4. Analysis of urine.
  5. Ultrasound of the heart for the presence of pathological changes in the structure of muscles, blood vessels, ventricles (and so on).

According to statistics, 40% of the total population needs treatment for hypertension. Many people don't even know it exists. Only 10% decide to visit a doctor, and this is wrong.

If you often have kidney pain, headaches, or pain in the heart area, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

First, see a therapist, and he will refer you to the right specialist. People suffering from diabetes should pay attention to these facts. Patients with this diagnosis are at risk of developing hypertension.

How to choose a good doctor

You can choose a good doctor by following these recommendations:

  1. Consider its appearance. A good specialist’s office, robe, and hands look neat. According to numerous surveys, this increases confidence in the doctor, and it is easier for the patient to comply with prescriptions.
  2. Openness is important. The doctor must answer all questions with patience and calmness, explain what is happening, decipher test results, and hide suspicions so as not to prematurely frighten the patient. This rule is especially observed when it comes to serious pathologies.
  3. Professionalism is noticeable in the work. The specialist will not make outdated diagnoses using terms that are not recognized by the International Classification of Diseases. If you are not confident in the doctor’s qualifications, then it is better to turn to another. When in doubt, you need to ask questions. After all, we are talking about health.
  4. In making a diagnosis, she uses an integrated approach. In this case, the problem will be identified correctly. The doctor, with the help of a multidisciplinary council, discusses the diagnosis or decides to transfer the patient to another medical institution. When transferring the patient to others, the doctor provides detailed information and describes the treatment regimen. The doctor passes on the medical card, medical history and all information about the patient to his colleagues. If it is necessary to transfer the patient to another clinic, he prepares an extract and continues to monitor the patient’s health. Other doctors complement the data and research results to accurately determine the diagnosis and select the correct therapy.
  5. Take into account the modernity of technical equipment. The doctor must conduct laboratory diagnostics and refer to other institutions.

Also, to choose a doctor, you can read reviews about his work on the Internet, ask friends and, most importantly, do not hesitate to ask questions at the appointment. After all, the quality and success of treatment depends on this.

Hypertension is a complex disease that requires professional supervision. A good doctor, one who treats competently, meets the following criteria:

  • Neatness. The doctor's appearance either attracts or repels the patient. A good doctor looks neat, keeps his office, desk, and robe in order. Neatness increases the patient's confidence and adherence to treatment recommendations exactly.
  • Openness. The professional answers all the patient’s questions, remains calm, does not scare with presumptive diagnoses, and deciphers the tests.
  • Application of complex examination methods. The doctor discusses a possible diagnosis at the consultation. If treatment is necessary from another specialist or in another clinic, he transfers documentation of the studies performed and the patient’s card.
  • Use of modern technical solutions in diagnostics. A good doctor always makes a diagnosis only based on test results and diagnostics using technical means.

In order to understand which doctor to contact if you have problems with high blood pressure, you should analyze data on the Internet, check the recommendations of friends and relatives, and ask questions. It is important to choose a competent blood pressure specialist.

Examination by specialized specialists and their actions

High blood pressure is considered to be above 120×80 Hg. If it is often higher than normal, then it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

Therefore, it is so important to know not only which doctor treats the emerging hypertension, but also why it arose, that is, what was the causative factor in its formation. Specialist doctors will help you do this.

Cardiologist

cardiologist

This is a doctor whose specialization is the treatment of diseases related to the cardiovascular system. It is unacceptable to ignore it. If you have hypertension, which doctor should you contact?

Because hypertension is directly related to cardiac activity. The second doctor, after the general practitioner, who is consulted in such a situation is a cardiologist.

When making a diagnosis, it is based on laboratory and instrumental studies, which include:

  • monitoring the patient's blood pressure;
  • echocardiography;
  • Vascular ultrasound;
  • CT;
  • ECG.

If cardiac pathologies are detected, treatment can be prescribed by a therapist and a doctor treating the vessels of the head; and which doctor will treat the pressure will be known after a complete examination.

If problems are detected in the kidneys, a nephrologist will also prescribe therapy. If it turns out that the cause of high blood pressure is hormonal imbalance, then an endocrinologist will be involved.

Nephrologist

nephrologist

When a diagnosis of hypertension is made, the local doctor may refer the patient for a consultation with a nephrologist. This doctor specializes in kidney pathologies. He, in turn, will prescribe a laboratory (advanced) urine test and ultrasound of the kidneys.

This will allow you to check what composition the urine has and what level of protein it contains. It is also important to study blood fluid for creatinine.

This is how the doctor checks the functionality of the kidneys of the renal system. Any deviation from the norm can cause an increase in blood pressure. To make an accurate diagnosis, such consultation is very important.

Neurologist

neurologist

The diagnosis of hypertension necessarily includes a conclusion made by a doctor who deals with the vessels of the head. What is the name of a blood pressure doctor? This doctor is a neurologist.

It treats intracranial pressure. The diagnostic procedures prescribed by this specialist are:

  • laboratory blood test for biochemistry;
  • general blood analysis;
  • lumbar puncture, which helps evaluate the structure of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Instrumental diagnostic methods include:

  • dopplerography of head vessels;
  • CT scan;
  • X-ray of the head;
  • magnetic tomography.

The patient must have intracranial pressure measured.

Endocrinologist

endocrinologist

This specialist checks the functionality and correct functioning of the endocrine system. If you have high blood pressure, going to the hospital (your local physician will tell you which doctor to go to) will be necessary again

Any deviation from the norm in hormonal levels can be accompanied by high blood pressure. That is why consultation with an endocrinologist is very important here.

A laboratory blood test will be needed to show the level of natural production of the following hormones:

  • aldosterone;
  • pituitary gland;
  • adrenaline;
  • cortisone.

They may prescribe another test - a puncture from the thyroid gland itself or any other organ of the endocrine system.

An endocrinologist also helps patients in the treatment of concomitant diseases (for example, solving a problem with the adrenal glands, diabetes mellitus). His consultation gives a clear picture of the patient’s hormonal background over time.

Gastroenterologist

gastroenterologist

Consultation with this specialist will be necessary. If the doctor treating high blood pressure has not previously identified what diagnosis the patient has, confirmation or refutation of portal hypertension will be needed.

With increased pressure in the portal vein, gastric bleeding is possible. Or the veins on the anterior wall of the peritoneum are in an expanded state (this can also happen).

At the appointment, the doctor carefully listens to the patient’s complaints, gets acquainted with the therapist’s initial verdict, and then conducts his own clinical study:

  • examines the skin;
  • palpates (very carefully) the rectum and abdomen;
  • studies analyzes of vomit and feces.

Based on these tests, instrumental diagnostics can be prescribed:

  • X-ray of the abdomen;
  • endoscopy;
  • computed tomography;
  • radioisotope research.

Blood sampling for advanced analysis is mandatory. Having studied all the results and assessed the patient’s condition, the doctor treats by prescribing his own therapy. Can refer you to see a nutritionist if menu adjustments are needed for obese patients.

Ophthalmologist

ophthalmologist

This is a doctor who treats ocular hypertension. With high blood pressure, which doctor to contact, which specialist to make the first visit, people who have suffered from this disease for many years know.

Those who do not know or doubt it should remember: an ophthalmologist deals with this disease. The first thing the doctor does is establish the causal factors that led to this.

After the patient has undergone all instrumental diagnostics and passed all laboratory tests, the doctor will prescribe eye drops, eye exercises, and a vitamin complex.

If this therapy does not produce results, the patient will be offered eye microsurgery or laser pressure correction in the eyeball.

Therapist

therapist

The therapist is the first doctor they go to if they have very high blood pressure, if they feel even the slightest deterioration in their health. This is a doctor who knows the medical history of his patients.

This is a specialist who always comes to the patient’s home if he is unable to make the visit on his own.

He guides patients after determining the diagnosis of hypertension, and refers patients to specialized doctors for consultation after refuting or confirming the diagnosis.

After diagnosis and visiting specialist doctors, the therapist may recommend the following for hypertension:

  • maintain a diet if it is prescribed to the patient;
  • change some types of dishes to healthier and fortified ones;
  • completely give up alcohol and smoking;
  • do physical therapy or do exercises in the morning;
  • avoid stressful situations;
  • adjust mental and physical stress on the body;
  • monitor body weight;
  • undergo tests for glucose levels in a timely manner (if there are problems with this), take medications that lower its level.

Information about hypertension should be studied as carefully as possible and important points should be remembered. This is a disease that can form at any age and at any time. At the first sign, you need to take action immediately.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures to prevent hypertension should always be followed. They are simple and known to everyone:

  • adhere to a correct and healthy lifestyle;
  • walk more in the fresh air;
  • Healthy food;
  • move more, do physical exercise;
  • control your intake of alcoholic beverages and stop smoking altogether.

Especially these rules should be followed by people whose relatives suffer from hypertension.

Recommendations from specialists

tonometer on a book

The type of treatment for high blood pressure largely depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the degree of progression and the type of underlying diseases. The goal of therapy is to cure the root cause of the disease.

This is exactly what the doctors discussed in the article are trying to achieve. They have one goal - to restore the pressure balance to 120x80 Hg. Art.

The main recommendations of highly specialized specialists are:

  1. Monitor your blood pressure over time and, if necessary, reduce it to normal levels as much as possible.
  2. Eliminate salt from your diet and consume it minimally.
  3. Protect organs that are particularly affected by high blood pressure: heart, kidneys, brain.
  4. Completely give up bad habits.
  5. Follow medical instructions thoroughly and scrupulously.
  6. Do not arbitrarily change the dosage and type of medications prescribed by doctors.

If your blood pressure rises, which doctor treats high blood pressure? What to do if you can’t reduce it in any way? You cannot experiment with your health condition.

The best thing to do in this case is to contact one of the specialists discussed above. The first visit should be made to a therapist.

Blood pressure norms in children

In adolescence, an increase in blood pressure is usually noted, but also when measuring its indicators with a tonometer, it is possible to detect low blood pressure and a high pulse. Low blood pressure in a child may indicate concomitant diseases or may simply be a consequence of taking antihypertensive medications in the wrong dosage.

What should be the normal blood pressure for babies and older children? Upper blood pressure in adolescents, namely in children 10 years old and starting from 6 years old, is in the range of 110-126 mmHg. Lower blood pressure in a 10-year-old child: from 70 to 82 mm Hg. Art. What pressure should be for a teenager aged 11 - 13, as well as at 14 years old? Normal upper blood pressure is 110-136 mm Hg. Art., and the lower from 70 to 86. The table describes blood pressure norms for a preschool child.

AgeIndicators measured in mmHg. Art.
UpperLower
0—60 days60—9640—50
2 months—2 years90—11250—74
24 months—36 months100—11660—76
3-5 years100—12260—78

Are parents interested in what blood pressure is considered low for a child? A teenager has low blood pressure of 100 over 50 or 90 over 60. To raise blood pressure, the patient should be provided with adequate sleep and proper nutrition. If a child of 8 years old or 9 years of age or older has a decrease in blood pressure, the doctor may prescribe hypertensive medications, which must be taken under the supervision of parents in a strictly prescribed dosage. You can learn more about the treatment of hypotension from a specialized physician.

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