Did you know that 80 million adults in the United States have Hypertension? That means 1 out of every 3 adults have a condition that is a major contributor to Cardiovascular Disease.
The 2017 AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines also reference numerous studies that show elevated blood pressure in childhood increases the risk for adult Hypertension and metabolic syndrome. One recent study even found that adolescents with elevated blood pressure progressed to Hypertension at a rate of 7% per year.
There are key contributors in youth such as tobacco exposure, obesity, inactivity and a non-ideal diet that lead to Cardiovascular Disease as an adult.
All of this communicates one thing: screening children for high blood pressure is extremely important.
The American Heart Association recommends that all children have annual blood pressure measurements in order to allow for early detection and intervention. Children with the following risk factors should be especially monitored:
- Certain disease and medications cause high blood pressure
- Family history of Cardiovascular Disease and/or high blood pressure
- Excessive weight, lifestyle choices
- African Americans have a higher risk for high blood pressure
- Mature, sexually active teens tend to have higher blood pressure
Click here to learn more from the American Heart Association.
At MacGill, we are dedicated to providing nurses with a wide selection of blood pressure units. Click here to shop for digital blood pressure units.
If you have any questions regarding blood pressure units, please contact us.
