Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug
05:57

Author Spotlight: Exploring Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction as an Antihypertensive Drug

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.3K

Hypertension Prevalence, Cardiac Complications, and Antihypertensive Medication Use in Children

Craig P Dobson1, Matilda Eide2, Cade M Nylund2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI; Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric hypertension is increasing among US military children, with rising echocardiogram use but poor medication adherence. One in twelve children with hypertension undergoing echocardiograms showed cardiac complications, highlighting the need for guideline compliance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Hypertension in children is a growing concern.
  • Understanding trends in pediatric hypertension is crucial for public health initiatives.
  • The post-2004 guideline era provides a specific context for evaluating care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypertension diagnosis in children of US military members.
  • To quantify echocardiography evaluations, cardiac complications, and antihypertensive prescriptions.
  • To assess adherence to national guidelines in pediatric hypertension management.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized TRICARE military health insurance billing data.
  • Defined hypertension cases based on diagnostic codes and specialist consultations.
  • Analyzed data from 2006-2011, covering approximately 1.3 million children annually.

Main Results:

  • Identified 16,322 pediatric hypertension cases (2.6/1000), with a 17% incidence increase from 2006-2011.
  • Hypertension was more prevalent in adolescents (5.4/1000) than younger children (0.9/1000).
  • Echocardiography use rose to 27.7%, with 8.0% showing left ventricular hypertrophy/dysfunction; 38.9% received antihypertensive medication.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric hypertension prevalence has increased, indicating a significant public health issue.
  • Compliance with national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment appears suboptimal.
  • Echocardiography findings in 1 in 12 patients support guideline recommendations, but medication treatment rates are low.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

8.2K
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children09:45

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children

Published on: April 29, 2013

21.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
4.8K
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.
661
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,...
1.2K
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...
758
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...
889
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers01:27

Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers

β-receptor blockers significantly impact the cardiovascular system by counteracting catecholamine-induced sympathetic responses. These medications decrease heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output, potentially leading to cardiac depression, life-threatening bradycardia, and death. Therapeutically, β-blockers function as mild antihypertensives and are utilized in treating angina pectoris and cardiac arrhythmias. However, nonselective β-blockers inhibit β2-receptors in...
1.9K