Normal Blood Pressure Values in Children

Normal blood pressure values in children depend on the size and age of the child, as well as their levels of health. Like blood pressure statistics in adults, there are averages for infants through adolescents, but the numbers can vary widely and still be in a good range. However, in all cases, good blood pressure levels can lead to a healthier life, while too low or too high blood pressure in children can have life-altering consequences.

Healthy and active children should have blood pressure levels that fall within the averages.

The Facts

Blood travels through the body in arteries and veins. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries, according to Lifeclinic.com. With each beat of the heart, the pressure in the arteries goes up, and then goes down between the beats.

Identification

When blood pressure is measured, the results are delivered in two figures. The first, the higher number, is the systolic rate. The systolic rate is the pressure in the arteries when the left ventricle in the heart contracts and sends blood rushing through the system. The diastolic is the lower number, and it measures the least amount of pressure when the left ventricle is relaxing. The figures are displayed as one over the other such as 120/80. Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer with a cuff placed on the bicep and a stethoscope.

Considerations

Blood pressure in children varies widely depending on age. A normal range for an infant up to 2 years old would be a reading of 80 systolic and roughly two-thirds of that for the diastolic. For children between 3 and 5 years of age, the average systolic blood pressure would be 99 with a reading of 65 on the diastolic. For children between 6 and 10, the average blood pressure would be 105/69 and for those between 11 and 14 years of age the average is 114/76.

Significance

While there are averages for blood pressure in children, a variety of things can affect the readings. Height and weight can affect a blood pressure. The child's fitness levels can have an impact. A heavy-set child who is not active will have a higher reading than child of average weight who is physically active. A child's diet can affect a reading. And the emotional factor of being around a medical professional can drive up a reading, causing what's referred to as "white-coat hypertension," according to the Mayo Clinic.

Effects

High blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of the arteries, according to the American Heart Association. The force can cause microscopic tears, which over time can turn into scar tissue which will collect plaque later in life, and potentially cause other cardiac issues. Lower blood pressure than the averages is always a little better, although too low can cause lightheadedness or fainting.