Hypertension in children and adolescents is a growing health problem. Various studies reported around 3.5% of children have HTN; another 10%–11% have elevated blood pressure (BP). Increase in prevalence due to obesity. High blood pressure in childhood commonly leads to hypertension in adulthood, and adult hypertension is the leading cause of premature death around the world.
Children with hypertension may have evidence of target organ damage, including left ventricular hypertrophy and pathologic vascular changes. Primary hypertension in children is also commonly associated with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Updated definitions of BP categories and stages For children aged 1-13 years Normal BP is less than the 90th percentile for sex, age, and height. Elevated BP: >90th percentile to <95th percentile or 120/80 mmHg to…
