Hypertension in children

Hypertension is a common finding in children, and increases the risk for future cardiovascular events. This review focuses on recent advances in pediatric hypertension research including changes in hypertension guidelines, epidemiology, predictors of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) measurement, effects on target organs, and treatment of hypertension.

Changes in the 2017 hypertension guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have resulted in increased prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension in the United States, and there is no international consensus on these changes. Despite rising pediatric overweight and obesity in China, hypertension prevalence is stable, suggesting multifactorial effects on childhood BP. Maternal diabetes and exposure to particulate matter are associated with higher childhood BP, and body size in infancy and early childhood is a determinant of adult high BP. Children with elevated BP have evidence of target organ damage with altered retinal vasculature and pulse wave velocity parameters compared to normotensive patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may be the best antihypertensive medications for the pediatric population even for African-American patients.

Research continues to illuminate contributors to pediatric hypertension and demonstrates opportunities for further study on the effects of hypertension and its management in children.