Key result
The increasing prevalence of primary hypertension in children, driven by obesity and environmental factors, emphasizes the need for early screening and treatment to reduce adult cardiovascular risk.
The increasing prevalence of pediatric hypertension necessitates aggressive screening and early treatment to reduce adult cardiovascular morbidity.
Supports early hypertension screening in obese children; leaves open whether intervention reduces adult cardiovascular events.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recent insights into the epidemiology of primary hypertension in children, with emphasis on the most important risk factors for the development of hypertension, and also updates current options for treating primary hypertension in children. RECENT FINDINGS: There is growing evidence that the prevalence of hypertension has increased over the past decade and that the epidemic of obesity has played a key role in the increase of blood pressure (BP) in the USA and abroad. Recent studies have shown that in addition to obesity, environmental factors such as second-hand smoking and sedentary lifestyle are important in development of hypertension even in preschool age children. Studies also have confirmed the effect of vegetables and fruits on lowering BP. Recent clinical trials of valsartan and olmesartan have provided efficacy and safety information for use in children. SUMMARY: The increased prevalence of hypertension in children in recent years emphasizes the need for a more aggressive approach to screen and diagnose elevated BP even in early childhood. Early initiation of treatment is important to decrease the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood.
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Malatesta-Muncher et al. (2012) conducted a review in Primary hypertension in children. Blood pressure management (including valsartan and olmesartan) was evaluated. The increasing prevalence of primary hypertension in children, driven by obesity and environmental factors, emphasizes the need for early screening and treatment to reduce adult cardiovascular risk.
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