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Management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents
Rae-Ellen W Kavey1, Stephen R Daniels, Joseph T Flynn
1Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642, USA. Rae-ellen_kavey@urmc.rochester.edu
Abstract:
Hypertension in childhood is now recognized to be a common and serious problem with a prevalence of 2% to 5%. Large epidemiologic studies have established normative tables for blood pressure beginning in early childhood based on age, gender, and height. Making a diagnosis of hypertension in a child or adolescent identifies an individual at increased risk for early-onset cardiovascular disease who requires specific treatment. Routine blood pressure measurement is recommended at every health care encounter beginning at 3 years of age, but often this is not being accomplished. This measurement is especially important in relation to the obesity epidemic, because approximately one-third of obese children have high blood pressure. Hypertension can be effectively managed with effective lifestyle change and medication when necessary.
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Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Blood Pressure