[Primary prevention of hypertension in childhood (the population approach)]

A substantial prevalence of clinical hypertension with a large portion of the adult population requiring daily antihypertensive medication makes this disease an important public health problem. The known and unknown side effects of life-long pharmacologic therapy directs searches for methods of prevention. Because the origins of high blood pressure are found in children, at a point in life where health habits are established, preventive programs directed to youth seem particularly relevant. Increased sodium intake is the most widespread nutritional factor related to the development of high blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension and the ubiquitous nature of sodium in many processed foods, well in excess of that needed for life seem to indicate the need for a broad public health approach. A test of this approach in school children is described below. The overall goals are to better understand the nature of health education and nutrition education in this age and, if successful, evaluate the effect of moderate sodium reduction on blood pressure.