Chilhood Hypertension

Current Researches in Health Sciences - II, Dr. Enes Karaman Dr. Gözde Özge Önder, Editör, Özgür Yayınları , Ankara, ss.63-72, 2023

Abstract

A significant public health issue is the rising prevalence of hypertension

(HT) among children and adolescents. According to studies, controlling

and preventing HT in children will result in adequate early treatment and

a favorable prognosis, which will lessen the burden of adult cardiovascular

disease. HT is defined as systolic or diastolic blood pressure at or above

the 95th percentile (P) for age, sex, and height at least three times. When

children are initially examined, their blood pressure is normal, and blood

pressure measurements begin from age three if there are no risk factors for

hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored yearly in children three

years and older.

Children typically experience primary HT. Renal parenchymal illnesses (60–

80%), renovascular diseases (10%), and aortic coarctation (2%) are the most

frequent causes. In young patients with HT, screening tests (complete urinalysis,

hemogram, electrolytes, urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, lipid

panel, urinary and renal doppler ultrasonography, eye exam, echocardiography,

thyroid function tests, renin, and aldosterone) should be carried out. Additional

required tests are ordered in response to the patient’s new symptoms.

Both medical procedures and lifestyle modifications are part of HT treatment.

Recommendations for food and exercise are non-drug therapy. The most

widely prescribed medications include calcium channel blockers, vasodilators,

diuretics,- blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Because of their adverse effects, -blockers are not the first choice. It is advised

to use just one medicine for treatment if possible. If, despite raising the

maximum dose, blood pressure cannot be controlled by a single medication,

a second medication is administered. HT treatment aims to reduce or prevent

the risk of cardiovascular disease and damage to target organs in both the

early and late stages.