The latest report of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Groups states that up to 3% of American children may have hypertension. The epidemic of childhood obesity is contributing to the number of children with high blood pressure. The report recommends early diagnosis and treatment to lessen the chances of cardiovascular disease once these children become adults.
According to Bonita Falkner, M.D., chair of the Working Group, "The strong association of high blood pressure with obesity and the marked increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity indicate that both hypertension and prehypertension are becoming significant health issues in the young."
The report defines hypertension as readings above the 95th percentile based on the child's sex, age, and height. It recommends checking blood pressure in healthy full term infants once they turn three years old. For children born pre-term, with low birth weight, perinatal hospitalization, congenital heart or renal disease, or on medications or have conditions that might increase blood pressure, checking should begin at an earlier age.
The report also defined a new condition ‚ prehypertension ‚ defined as a systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the 90th and 95th percentile or a blood pressure greater than 120/80 mm Hg in adolescents.
The treatment for children with either prehypertension or hypertension includes lifestyle changes ‚ increased exercise, weight loss, and appropriate diet. Children with hypertension should be treated with medications. Recommended medication classes are ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
Patient Care, 7/04.
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