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White coat hypertension in adolescents
V H Koch1, E A Furusawa, M I Saito
1Pediatric Nephrology Unit, General Hospital, São Paulo University School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Clinical Nephrology
|December 10, 1999
Summary
White coat hypertension (WCH), a condition where blood pressure is elevated in clinical settings but normal otherwise, is rarely documented in adolescents. This study identified WCH in 6 adolescents using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- White coat hypertension (WCH) affects over 20% of adult hypertensive patients.
- WCH is infrequently reported in the adolescent population.
- Accurate diagnosis of hypertension in adolescents is crucial for long-term cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and diagnosis of WCH in adolescents.
- To evaluate the utility of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in identifying WCH in this age group.
- To emphasize the importance of considering WCH in adolescent hypertension evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Routine use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for adolescents with suspected arterial hypertension.
- Office blood pressure measurements taken after a 5-minute rest period using auscultation.
- ABPM performed using oscillometric equipment (SpaceLabs 90207).
Main Results:
- Six adolescents (mean age 15.1 years) diagnosed with WCH via ABPM.
- Participants exhibited elevated office blood pressure readings.
- The study included adolescents with a mean BMI of 28.8 kg/m2, indicating overweight or obesity.
Conclusions:
- White coat hypertension should be considered in the diagnostic workup of adolescents presenting with elevated blood pressure.
- ABPM is a valuable tool for differentiating true hypertension from WCH in pediatric patients.
- Early identification and management of WCH in adolescents may prevent long-term complications.
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