Hypertension
Hypertension is a silent killer. Most of the time, there are no obvious symptoms, yet high blood pressure is quietly damaging the body everywhere there is a blood vessel: the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and more. The whole body is hurt, and these damaging changes happen in our children and teens.
Our first line of defense against hypertension includes medical nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle interventions. When needed, we add medication to control blood pressure. Our ultimate goal is to control blood pressure to protect our patient from harm.
Dr. Abraham often recommends the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
Please discuss your medical nutrition interventions in the office with Dr. Abraham. She will guide you and your family about what medical diet is right for you.
Learning how to read nutrition labels is an important skill.Link helpful site or video.
Empowering families to understand and treat hypertension is part of our special approach.
We teach our patients and families to check blood pressure at home. You don’t have to have a medical background! This is some of the equipment we may recommend.
Recommended blood pressure cuff.
Please let us size you in the office before your purchase. Having correct cuff size is very important for accurate blood pressure measurement
A high quality stethoscope if you have been asked to listen to your child:
A lower cost version, the ADC Adscope Lite 619
Dr. Elizabeth Abraham is board-certified in pediatric nephrology, which includes the diagnosis and care of children and adolescents with high blood pressure. She had three years of specialized training from the Division of Nephrology & Hypertension at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. She is interested in the early diagnosis and prevention of serious disease.