Evaluation and management of childhood hypertension

Hypertension in childhood is diagnosed according to age-adjusted values for each sex. It is more commonly diagnosed now than it was 2 decades ago because blood pressure is more frequently measured in children today. Surgically curable forms of hypertension are not common but usually present as moderate or severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 110 mm Hg). Although many patients in this group are asymptomatic, some present with Bell's palsy, enlarged hearts, heart failure, encephalopathy, or stroke. Newer imaging techniques have proved particularly useful for localizing tumors, such as pheochromocytoma. Many antihypertensive drugs are now available, and therapy should be tailored to the patient's needs, with as few adverse or side effects as possible.