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01-10-2013 | Pediatric Hypertension (JT Flynn, Section Editor)

Primary Hypertension in Childhood

Authors: Barbara S. Bucher, Alessandra Ferrarini, Nico Weber, Marina Bullo, Mario G. Bianchetti, Giacomo D. Simonetti

Published in: Current Hypertension Reports | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

There is growing concern about elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents, because of its association with the obesity epidemic. Moreover, cardiovascular function and blood pressure level are determined in childhood and track into adulthood. Primary hypertension in childhood is defined by persistent blood pressure values ≥ the 95th percentile and without a secondary cause. Preventable risk factors for elevated blood pressure in childhood are overweight, dietary habits, salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep quality and passive smoking, whereas non-preventable risk factors include race, gender, genetic background, low birth weight, prematurity, and socioeconomic inequalities. Several different pathways are implicated in the development of primary hypertension, including obesity, insulin resistance, activation of the sympathetic nervous system, alterations in sodium homeostasis, renin-angiotensin system and altered vascular function. Prevention of adult cardiovascular disease should begin in childhood by regularly screening for high blood pressure, counseling for healthy lifestyle and avoiding preventable risk factors.

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Title: Primary Hypertension in Childhood
Authors: Barbara S. Bucher
Alessandra Ferrarini
Nico Weber
Marina Bullo
Mario G. Bianchetti
Giacomo D. Simonetti
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Hypertension Reports / Issue 5/2013
Print ISSN: 1522-6417
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3111
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-013-0378-8

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