About 1 percent of the population younger than 18 years of age has hypertension, translating into 10,000 to 20,000 affected children in Houston alone. It has been reported to be as high as 11 percent in Houston's minority pediatric population. The propensity for high blood pressure is genetic, and factors such as obesity, salt, diet and stress level affect it. We hope we can intervene early with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication to alter the path to sustained hypertension.
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls rises.
Both genetic and environmental factors influence its onset. Hypertension can cause considerable damage to the heart and the brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Kidney scarring and kidney failure can also result from the disease. High blood pressure can even hamper growth, cause attention problems and personality changes. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, abdominal pain and headaches.