Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension (HT), a modifiable risk factor in adults, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure (BP) originates in childhood and tracks to adulthood and hence very important to diagnose and appropriately manage childhood HT for healthy adulthood. In this article, we have attempted to answer the following questions: (1) What is HT in children and adolescents? (2) When does it begin? (3) What initiates it? (4) Who is susceptible? (5) What can be done during childhood to prevent consequences of HT during adult life? The updates of the recent American Academy of Pediatrics 2017 guidelines on HT for children have been included with importance to the prevention of HT through healthy lifestyle and vigilant screening including 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring.