For Release: April 7, 1997 5 p.m. (ET)
Below is a highlight of a policy published in the April issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive full text or interview contact information for this policy, please contact the AAP Division of Public Relations at [email protected] and ask for C637.
YOUNG ATHLETES SHOULDNT BE LIMITED BY HYPERTENSION
CHICAGO--Most young athletes with high blood pressure shouldnt be restricted from competitive sports, but they need to be monitored closely, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). "Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular condition seen in people who engage in competitive sports," according to a new policy in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This policy makes recommendations for sports participation by young athletes with mild to severe cases of high blood pressure. The AAP says that young athletes with mild to moderate hypertension can participate in competitive sports, but a pediatrician should monitor the childs blood pressure every two months during the sports season. Because some sports may demand more strenuous exercise than is necessary for cardiovascular conditioning, children with severe hypertension may need to be restricted from competitive sports and other high demand recreational activities (such as weight lifting and rock climbing) until blood pressure is under control. Regardless of the severity of hypertension, young athletes "should be encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors... including the avoidance of drugs of abuse (especially cocaine), alcohol, use of tobacco (by all routes), and high sodium intake."
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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