Preparing for an appointment

Your child's blood pressure will be checked as part of a routine complete physical exam or during any pediatric doctor appointment when indicated. Before a blood pressure check, make sure your child hasn't had caffeine or another simulant.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Symptoms your child has, and when they began. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, but it is a risk factor for heart disease and other childhood illnesses.
• Key personal information, including a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
• All medications, vitamins or supplements your child takes, including doses.
• Your child's diet and exercise habits, including salt intake.
• Questions to ask your doctor.

For high blood pressure, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What tests will my child need?
• Will my child need medications?
• What foods should he or she eat or avoid?
• What's an appropriate level of physical activity?
• How often do I need to schedule appointments to check my child's blood pressure?
• Should I monitor my child's blood pressure at home?
• Should my child see a specialist?
• Can you give me brochures or other printed material? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• When was your child's blood pressure last checked? What was the blood pressure measurement then?
• Was your child premature or underweight at birth?
• Does your child or anyone in your family smoke?