TESTING CHILD'S URINE MAY HELP DOCTORS IDENTIFY RISK FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Measuring sodium in a
child's urine may help doctors identify those at risk for having high blood
pressure later in life, according to a study presented at the American Heart
Association High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions 2013
In a small study,
researchers used a new protocol to quickly screen 19 children who were
10-19-year-olds. Researchers found that of the eight who retained sodium seven
had high blood pressure.
The inability to
properly excrete sodium in the body can occur during stress, such as when kids
get nervous while in a doctor's office, so the children were asked to provide a
urine sample before and after their visit to a physician. Sodium retention
increases fluid in the blood vessels, which can impact blood pressure. High
blood pressure can develop over time if the body can't properly regulate
sodium, and is a serious risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
"Hypertension is
no longer an adult disease," said Gregory Harshfield, Ph.D., study senior
researcher and director of the Institute of the Georgia Prevention Center at
the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Ga.
"The results of
this test could also provide useful information that could help pediatricians
better manage and treat hypertension in their patients," Harshfield said.
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