Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension in Adolescents with Obesity

Hypertension (HTN) and obesity are increasing in prevalence and severity in adolescents and have significant implications for long term morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the diagnosis and management of HTN in adolescents with obesity with an emphasis on co-management of the two conditions.

Recent studies affirm the increasing prevalence of abnormal blood pressures and diagnoses of HTN associated with increased adiposity. Current guidelines recommend routine screening with proper technique for HTN in patients with obesity. Additionally, obesity and HTN related co-occurring medical conditions should be evaluated as there is frequently a bidirectional impact on risk and outcomes. Importantly, advances in adolescent obesity management have subsequently led to positive implications for the management of obesity-related comorbidities such as HTN. The co-management of obesity and HTN is an emerging strategy for treatment and prevention of additional morbidity and mortality as patients progress to adulthood.

In adolescent patients with obesity, prompt recognition and appropriate diagnosis of HTN as well as related co-occurring conditions are necessary first steps in management. Co-management of obesity and HTN is likely to lead to improved outcomes. While lifestyle interventions serve as the foundation to this management, adjunctive and emerging therapies should be considered to adequately treat both conditions.