Can Children Get Hypotension? 

While blood pressure concerns in the UK are often associated with adults, children can and do experience low blood pressure, known as hypotension. However, the definition of low blood pressure is different for children than for adults, as a child’s normal range changes as they grow and develop. In most cases, hypotension in children is temporary and linked to simple factors like not drinking enough water. However, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. This article explores how low blood pressure is identified in younger age groups, what common triggers to watch for, and how parents and carers can manage these symptoms safely. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• How normal blood pressure ranges differ for infants, children, and teenagers. 

• Common causes of paediatric hypotension such as dehydration and heat. 

• Identifying symptoms of low blood pressure in children who may not be able to describe them. 

• The role of growth spurts and puberty in blood pressure fluctuations. 

• Understanding the link between allergic reactions and sudden drops in pressure. 

• When low blood pressure in a child requires a clinical review or emergency care. 

• Practical steps for maintaining stable blood pressure in active children. 

Low Blood Pressure in Children and How It Is Assessed 

Yes, children can get hypotension, though it is less common than in adults. In the paediatric population, low blood pressure is defined by readings that fall below the normal range for a child’s specific age, height, and sex. While a reading of 90/60mmHg is considered low for an adult, it may be perfectly normal for a young child. Most cases of paediatric hypotension are caused by temporary factors like dehydration, but persistent low readings always require a professional assessment. 

In children, the cardiovascular system is generally very resilient and adaptable. However, because their bodies are smaller, they can be more sensitive to a loss of fluids or changes in environment. For example, a child who has been playing outside in the heat without drinking enough may experience a sudden drop in pressure. Unlike adults who may have chronic conditions, children often experience acute or ‘one-off’ episodes of hypotension. Clinicians in the UK use specific paediatric charts to determine if a child’s reading is truly low or simply appropriate for their stage of development. 

• Blood pressure ranges increase naturally as a child grows. 

• Temporary hypotension is frequently linked to illness or activity. 

• Symptoms in children may appear as unusual quietness or fatigue. 

Causes of Low Blood Pressure in Children 

The most frequent cause of low blood pressure in children is dehydration, often resulting from a stomach bug, fever, or excessive sweating during sports. Because children have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio than adults, they lose fluids more quickly. Other causes include side effects from certain medications, nutritional deficiencies like anaemia, or underlying heart conditions that affect how well the heart pumps blood around the growing body. 

Common clinical factors include: 

• Dehydration: Loss of fluids through vomiting, diarrhoea, or heat. 

• Allergic Reactions: A severe allergy can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in pressure. 

• Infection: Severe infections or sepsis can lead to systemic hypotension. 

• Heart Problems: Congenital heart issues can occasionally manifest as low blood pressure. 

• Endocrine Issues: Problems with the adrenal or thyroid glands. 

• Anaemia: A lack of healthy red blood cells can lower overall blood volume. 

Triggers for Hypotension in Teenagers 

Teenagers are particularly prone to a specific type of low blood pressure called neurally mediated hypotension. During puberty, the nervous system is still maturing, and rapid growth spurts can sometimes make it harder for the body to regulate pressure effectively. Common triggers for teens include standing still for long periods, such as during school assemblies, or being in a hot, crowded environment. These factors can trigger a ‘faint’ reflex where the brain and heart briefly lose coordination. 

Trigger	Impact on the Child	Recommendation
Hot Weather	Causes blood vessels to widen.	Ensure frequent water breaks.
Standing Still	Blood pools in the lower limbs.	Encourage moving the feet and legs.
Growth Spurts	Increased demand on the heart.	Focus on balanced nutrition and rest.
Morning Rush	Low pressure after waking up.	Encourage a slow rise and a full breakfast.

Differentiation: Normal Activity vs. Clinical Concern 

It is important for parents to differentiate between a child who is simply tired after activity and one who is experiencing clinical hypotension. A healthy child may be quiet after a long day, but a child with low blood pressure may appear unusually pale, complain of a ‘spinning’ head, or feel sick. If a child faints, it is a clear sign that their blood pressure has dropped low enough to affect the brain, and this should always be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious underlying causes. 

Feature	Normal Tiredness	Symptomatic Hypotension
Skin Colour	Normal or slightly flushed.	May look very pale or ‘ashy’.
Energy	Recovers quickly with a snack.	Remains weak or lethargic after resting.
Communication	Can explain how they feel.	May seem confused or unusually quiet.
Physical Signs	No dizziness when standing.	Complains of blurred vision or dizziness.

Conclusion 

Children can experience low blood pressure, though it is usually a temporary reaction to factors like dehydration or environmental heat. While teenagers may experience postural drops during growth spurts, most cases in younger children are linked to fluid loss or illness. Understanding that blood pressure ranges vary by age is key to recognising when a child is truly unwell. By ensuring children stay hydrated and identifying the signs of dizziness early, parents can manage most minor episodes safely at home. However, any fainting or persistent lethargy in a child should be reviewed by a clinician. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, or if a child is unresponsive, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block) 

This article was written by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and extensive experience in general medicine, surgery, and emergency care. Dr. Petrov has worked in hospital wards and intensive care units, managing acute patient needs and contributing to paediatric health education. His clinical background ensures that this guide to low blood pressure in children provides accurate information that follows established UK health frameworks for paediatric safety.