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The Curious Bag
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Hypertension is a serious problem that is becoming more common in children. The condition can be caused by obesity, heredity, compromised health or race.
Body Weight
Higher body mass increases the likelihood of children developing hypertension. Therefore, obese children are the most likely to develop the condition.
Heredity
Children with an immediate family member with hypertension have an increased risk of developing the condition. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 46 to 49 percent of children with hypertension have a relative with some form of the condition.
Kidney Disease
Problems with the kidneys can also cause hypertension in children. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that kidney disease is responsible for 60 to 70 percent of hypertension cases in children.
Blood Vessels
Blood vessel disorders can cause hypertension because they force the heart to increase pressure to pump blood throughout the body.
Genetics
Though a definitive link between race and childhood hypertension has not been established, studies have shown that African American children may be more likely to develop the condition. One reason for this disparity may be due in part to the sodium retentive gene that is found in African Americans.
Source:
Kids Health: Causes of Hypertension
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