Pediatric hypertension: a growing problem

Prim Care. 2015 Mar;42(1):143-50. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2014.09.003. Epub 2014 Dec 12.

Abstract

Hypertension in children and adolescents, once thought to be rare, has been estimated at a current prevalence of between 1% and 5% in the United States. The prevalence of primary hypertension continues to increase with the increasing body mass index of the pediatric population. Who is at risk? If and when to screen? When and how to treat? These controversial questions are important to the physician in primary care practice.

Keywords: Pediatric hypertension; Pediatric lifestyle change; Pediatric obesity; Pediatric screening; Pediatric workup.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Hypertension / therapy*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents