Arterial Hypertension in Childhood

Overview

Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of hypertensionin childhood is app. 1%. The etiology of hypertension in childhood differs considerably to the adult population -secondary forms of hypertension are more common than the primary form. In general, the younger the child andthe higher the blood pressure, the more probably is a secondary form of hypertension. Severe forms of hypertensionare usually secondary, on contrary the borderline and mild forms of hypertension, especially in adolescents areusually primary. The most common causes of secondary hypertension are renal diseases (renoparenchymal orrenovascular). Cardiac diseases and endocrinopathies are less frequent causes of secondary hypertension. Eachchild with hypertension has to be carefully investigated, the extent of the investigations depends on the age of thechild and severity of hypertension. The main task for the investigation is to exclude or reveal a secondary form ofhypertension, which could be causally treated. Treatment of hypertension is non-pharmacological and pharmacological.

Key words:
arterial hypertension, blood pressure, children