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As with adults, the causes of primary (or essential) hypertension in children are unknown. Children with a family history of high blood pressure may be at increased risk of developing primary hypertension. However, this condition is far less common in children than adults, in whom about 95 percent of hypertension cases are primary. While the cause of primary hypertension is unknown, it is believed that genetics and lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking may play a role.
Secondary hypertension (high blood pressure caused by a separate underlying condition) is the most common form in children under the age of 10. There are a number of factors and conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension in children, including:
- Childhood obesity. It is estimated that 16 percent of school age children in the United States are overweight, and obesity is one of the more common causes of high blood pressure in children. In fact, some researchers believe that the significant rise in children's blood pressure levels in the last 10 years is a direct result of rising body weights in adolescents and teens. High blood pressure is nine times more likely in obese or overweight children than in other children.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Elevated salt intake. Salt consumption not only directly impacts blood pressure, but can also affect kidney function later in life.
- Childhood diabetes.
- Renal kidney disease, such as renal artery stenosis. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure levels. Therefore, disease or damage to these organs can cause hypertension. Kidney problems usually result in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings that are very high.
- Coarctation of the aorta, in which the aorta is pinched, constricted or narrowed at some point along its length. This results in high blood pressure in the upper body and low blood pressure in the lower body.
- Other congenital conditions.
- Lead poisoning.
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