Red Flags & When to Go In Person for High Blood Pressure (Reading) in Children

Audience: pediatric

High blood pressure (hypertension) in children can sometimes be detected through readings taken at home or during medical visits. While telemedicine can help monitor and discuss blood pressure readings, it is important to recognize when in-person care is necessary. High blood pressure in children may not always cause symptoms, but certain warning signs or very high readings require urgent evaluation. Telemedicine is useful for routine follow-ups, medication management, and education about lifestyle changes. However, if your child experiences severe symptoms or extremely high blood pressure readings, immediate in-person care is essential. Understanding these red flags helps ensure timely and appropriate care for your child's health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Blood pressure readings consistently above the 95th percentile for your child's age, height, and gender—seek in-person care promptly.
• Severe symptoms such as intense headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden vision changes, or confusion—go to emergency care immediately.
• Signs of organ damage like swelling in legs or face, decreased urine output, or unexplained fatigue—arrange urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Routine review of blood pressure readings taken at home.
• Medication management and dosage adjustments under provider guidance.
• Education on lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure.
• Answering questions and providing support for blood pressure monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Initial diagnosis of hypertension requiring physical examination and tests.
• Emergency symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, or breathing difficulties.
• Signs of organ damage or complications related to high blood pressure.
• Procedures or tests that require in-person visits like blood tests or imaging.

What is High Blood Pressure in Children?

High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is too high. In children, blood pressure is measured differently than in adults and depends on age, height, and gender. Persistent high readings may indicate hypertension, which can affect the heart and kidneys over time if untreated.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to review your child's blood pressure readings remotely. It can be used to:

Telemedicine is convenient for regular check-ins but relies on accurate home measurements.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain situations require your child to be seen in person promptly, including:

In-person visits allow for thorough physical exams and additional testing.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, you may need to:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Use a validated blood pressure monitor suitable for children.
• Take multiple blood pressure readings at different times and record them.
• Note any symptoms your child is experiencing.
• Have a list of current medications and dosages ready.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Continue to monitor and record blood pressure as advised.
• Follow any changes in medication or lifestyle recommendations.
• Schedule follow-up visits, either telemedicine or in-person, as recommended.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and seek care if needed.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose high blood pressure in my child?

Telemedicine can help review blood pressure readings you provide, but diagnosing high blood pressure usually requires multiple measurements and sometimes additional tests done in person.

How do I take an accurate blood pressure reading at home for my child?

Use a validated pediatric blood pressure monitor. Have your child sit quietly for a few minutes before measuring, use the correct cuff size, and take several readings at different times to get an accurate picture.

What symptoms of high blood pressure in children should prompt immediate care?

Severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden vision changes, confusion, swelling, or decreased urine output are serious signs that require urgent medical attention.

Can lifestyle changes help manage my child's high blood pressure?

Yes, healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing salt intake often help manage blood pressure in children alongside medical treatment.

Sources

1. High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Hypertension in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.
4. High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child experiences severe symptoms or you have concerns about their health, seek immediate in-person medical care.