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Pediatric & Adolescent Hypertension

Compared to adults in whom essential hypertension prevails, there are numerous causes of hypertension in the pediatric age group. Proper diagnosis and therapy tailored specifically to the specific disorder and to the need of the child present an important challenge. Our center, and specifically the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, has had over two decades of experience in evaluating and treating hypertension in over 3000 children. The spectrum of disorders is unsurpassed due to a wide, exclusive and unique referral area. Several clinical reports and reviews from our center provide a glimpse of the common as well as rare cases of hypertension encountered in our practice. Special areas of interest in hypertension include the effects of hypertension in diabetic nephropathy, renovascular hypertension, post-transplant hypertension and the effects of diet and environment on hypertension. Thus, we welcome the opportunity to evaluate any child in whom we may be of help in providing insight both in diagnosis and management of hypertension. Pediatric Nephrology has been actively involved in various research projects over the years including areas of diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and clinical outcomes of kidney transplantation in children.
 
Common Questions About Childhood Hypertension
from Montefiore Medical Center

What is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as blood pressure elevation substantially above the normal range.

What is a normal Blood Pressure (BP) for a child?
It depends. In childhood, normal BP varies considerably with the child's age and size, so special standards have been devised to take these variations into account.

Is it common practice to measure blood pressure in children?
Yes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children's blood pressures should be checked at their annual check-ups starting at the age of 3 years.

Can children have hypertension?
Yes. Although it is less common in children than adults, children can indeed have hypertension.

What causes hypertension in children?
Most hypertension in children is caused by kidney disease. Other causes include certain heart diseases and endocrine (hormone) problems. Essential, or primary, hypertension may occur in older children, especially those with a family history of hypertension.

Is untreated hypertension dangerous?
Yes. Untreated hypertension may lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, or damage to the eyes.
 

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High Blood Pressure in Children

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=214

Children, even very young babies, can have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that all children have yearly blood pressure measurements. Detecting high blood pressure early will improve a child's health.
 

High Blood Pressure in Children & Adolescents

http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/cardiac/hbpca.html

Blood pressure, measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope by a nurse or other healthcare provider, is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls.
 

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Update on the Task Force Report (1987) on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: A Working Group Report From the National High Blood Pressure Education Program

from the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute

A ready reference to assist pediatricians in identifying, preventing, and treating high blood pressure in children. Includes revised blood pressure tables, quick-reference diagnostic charts, tables on antihypertensive drug therapy, and the public health perspective on promoting healthy lifestyles in all children and adolescents. 24 pages, NIH Publication No. 96-3790

[PDF; size=272k] http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/hbp/hbp_ped.pdf

Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure

from the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html

You can take steps to prevent high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle. These steps include maintaining a healthy weight; being physically active; following a healthy eating plan, that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods; choosing and preparing foods with less salt and sodium; and, if you drink alcoholic beverages, drinking in moderation. In this section you will learn more about healthy lifestyle habits for preventing and controlling high blood pressure.
 

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