Blood Pressure No Barrier to Kids’ Sports

Most kids with high blood pressure can safely play sports, a major group of children’s doctors says. But restrictions apply to those with the most serious problem, stage 2 high blood pressure. The new guidelines are from the American Academy of Pediatrics. They say that all children with above-normal blood pressure should exercise, improve their diet and lose weight, if needed. These steps may help to lower blood pressure. They should be all that is needed for kids who measure just below the level for diagnosing high blood pressure. This is called pre-hypertension. Children with stage 1 high blood pressure are eligible for any sport unless they have related damage in a major organ. Some sports could be dangerous for children with stage 2 high blood pressure, the guidelines say. Doctors are urged to refer these children to a specialist.