Prehypertension Raises Risk for Hypertension in Adolescents

Progression to hypertension was significantly more likely in students with elevated blood pressure, even if it resolved on later measurements.

Both the rate of and risk for developing hypertension during childhood and adolescence are poorly understood. Investigators evaluated this risk in 1006 nonhypertensive students (age range, 10–19 years) in a Texas school-based blood pressure (BP) screening program. Baseline BP was defined as the mean of at least three measurements at the first evaluation. Prehypertension was defined as systolic or diastolic BP ≥90th percentile (>120/80 mm Hg) and <95th percentile for age. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥95th percentile for age.

During an average of 2 years of observation, hypertension was identified in 11 students (incidence, 0.5% per person-year), and prehypertension was identified in 147 students (56% male). Compared with students with norm…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Prehypertension Raises Risk for Hypertension in Adolescents

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Reviewing Author