Adolescent hypertension goes undiagnosed in 75% or more of cases, complicated by confounding factors such as obesity, metabolic and genetic factors, and socioeconomic status.
Adolescent hypertension is significantly underdiagnosed (≥75% undiagnosed) due to complex confounding factors, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic approaches.
Hypertension is a complex and multifaceted disease, with many contributing factors. While diet and nutrition are important influences, the confounding effects of overweight and obesity, metabolic and genetic factors, racial and ethnic predispositions, socioeconomic status, cultural influences, growth rate, and pubertal stage have even more influence and make diagnosis quite challenging. The prevalence of hypertension in adolescents far exceeds the numbers who have been diagnosed; studies have found that 75% or more go undiagnosed. This literature review summarizes the challenges of blood pressure classification in adolescents, discusses the impact of these confounding influences, and identifies actions that will improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Ewald et al. (2016) conducted a review in Adolescent Hypertension. Adolescent hypertension goes undiagnosed in 75% or more of cases, complicated by confounding factors such as obesity, metabolic and genetic factors, and socioeconomic status.