Treatment of obesity-related hypertension in children and adolescents

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2013 Jun;15(3):224-31. doi: 10.1007/s11906-013-0334-7.

Abstract

The obesity epidemic has become a common concern among pediatricians, with an estimated 32 % of US children and adolescents classified as overweight and 18 % as obese. Along with the increase in obesity, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, primary hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, once thought to be confined solely to adulthood, are commonly seen among the obese in childhood. Following a brief summary of the diagnosis and evaluation of hypertension in obese children and adolescents, this review will highlight recent research on the treatment of obesity-related hypertension. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment will be discussed. Additionally, current and emerging therapies for the primary treatment of obesity in children and adolescents, which have been gaining in popularity, will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypertension / therapy*
  • Life Style
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Risk Factors