Now they know this isn't so. Some children have higher blood pressures than others for unknown reasons. These children are said to have primary or essential hypertension. Research scientists don't know why some children have higher blood pressure than others. Children who are overweight usually have higher blood pressure.
Some children inherit the tendency toward higher blood pressure from one or both parents.
High blood pressure is more frequent and more severe in families of African Americans than in whites. The reasons aren't fully understood. A special diet and physical activity may be prescribed by the doctor to lower high blood pressure in overweight children. The doctor may also prescribe medication if diet and exercise don't bring the high blood pressure under control. Although cigarette smoking isn't directly related to high blood pressure, youngsters who smoke should stop for a variety of health reasons.