Related Experiment Videos

Hypertension in children: an update on treatment strategies

Mouin G Seikaly1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9063, USA. mouin.seikaly@utsouthwestern.edu

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|May 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric hypertension is a common, treatable condition. New medications and data enable early detection and management, but long-term effects on growth and cardiovascular health require further study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pediatric hypertension is a prevalent and treatable childhood disease.
  • Untreated hypertension in children leads to significant short-term illness and long-term cardiovascular risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review chronic management strategies for pediatric hypertension.
  • To discuss current pharmacological treatments for elevated blood pressure in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on pediatric hypertension management.
  • Analysis of available antihypertensive medications for pediatric use.

Main Results:

  • The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act has facilitated the approval of new pediatric antihypertensives.
  • Multiple antihypertensive drugs are available in pediatric-friendly formulations (liquid, compounded) for flexible dosing.

Conclusions:

  • Normative blood pressure data and pharmacologic agents support early detection and treatment of childhood hypertension.
  • Long-term impacts of antihypertensive therapy on pediatric growth and cardiovascular disease prevention remain incompletely understood.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...