Hypertension in children and adolescents

Abstract

Hypertension must be detected by systematic measurement of blood pressure during any routine clinical examination in any child from the age of 3 and at each consultation in children at risk. Hypertension is defined by a value greater than the 95th percentile of the reference for sex, height and age; normal blood pressure is less than the 90th percentile. Renal or renovascular diseases are the most common etiologies. Hygienic measures and in particular the reduction of excess weight are always the first step of treatment in borderline hypertension. Drug treatment should be used quickly in children who are symptomatic or have severe hypertension.