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Detecting High Blood Pressure In Children

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - High blood pressure is called the silent killer and that is because few people even know that they have it.

Certainly this is a problem in adults but what few people realize is that it also occurs in children. However it is not common in children so, how do you know when your child might be at risk?

The obvious answer is to make certain your children are seen regularly by the doctor and have blood pressure checks. Unlike adults, in children blood pressures are based on age, height and sex of the child.

In cases where it is detected, medication is often started but I give the same advice to all parents whether the kids have high blood pressure or not: eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains can help as well as limiting time in front of the TV and computer and stressing exercise.

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