Application of the 2017 AAP pediatric hypertension guideline compared with the former 2004 guideline resulted in a 2.58% net increase in hypertension prevalence among U.S. youths aged 12-19 years.
Cross-Sectional (n=12,004)
Does the application of the 2017 AAP Clinical Practice Guideline change the classification of hypertension status among US youths compared to the 2004 guideline?
Application of the 2017 AAP hypertension guidelines reclassifies an estimated 795,000 additional US youths as having hypertension compared to the 2004 guidelines, despite an overall decline in youth hypertension prevalence from 2001 to 2016.
Effect estimate: 2.58% net increase (95% CI 1.84-3.34)
Absolute Event Rate: 4.11% vs 1.54%
with new thresholds and percentile references calculated from a healthy-weight population. To examine trends in youth hypertension and the impact of the new guideline on classification of hypertension status, CDC analyzed data from 12,004 participants aged 12-19 years in the 2001-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). During this time, prevalence of hypertension declined, using both the new (from 7.7% to 4.2%, p<0.001) and former (from 3.2% to 1.5%, p<0.001) guidelines, and declines were observed across all weight status categories. However, because of the new percentile tables and lower threshold for hypertension (4), application of the new guideline compared with the former guideline resulted in a weighted net estimated increase of 795,000 U.S. youths being reclassified as having hypertension using 2013-2016 data. Youths who were older, male, and those with obesity accounted for a disproportionate share of persons reclassified as having hypertension. Clinicians and public health professionals might expect to see a higher prevalence of hypertension with application of the new guideline and can use these data to inform actions to address hypertension among youths. Strategies to improve cardiovascular health include adoption of healthy eating patterns and increased physical activity (3).
Jackson et al. (2018) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=12,004). 2017 AAP Clinical Practice Guideline vs. 2004 pediatric hypertension guidance was evaluated on Prevalence of hypertension and population reclassification (2013-2016 data) (2.58% net increase, 95% CI 1.84-3.34). Application of the 2017 AAP pediatric hypertension guideline compared with the former 2004 guideline resulted in a 2.58% net increase in hypertension prevalence among U.S. youths aged 12-19 years.