Childhood Hypertension
Chapter from the book: Karaman, E. & Önder, G. Ö. (eds.) 2023. Current Researches in Health Sciences-II.

Gizem Gencan
Yozgat Bozok University

Synopsis

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.

How to cite this book

Gencan, G. (2023). Childhood Hypertension. In: Karaman, E. & Önder, G. Ö. (eds.), Current Researches in Health Sciences-II. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub128.c561

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Published

June 21, 2023

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