AAP Updates Guidelines for Pediatric Hypertension

The update revises the definition of prehypertension, recommends screening only at well-visits in healthy children, expands recommendations for ambulatory BP monitoring, and offers advice for evaluation and therapy.

Sponsoring Organization: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Target Audience: Clinicians caring for children and adolescents in outpatient settings

Background and Objective: More than 3% of otherwise healthy U.S. children have elevated blood pressure (BP), and many questions exist about best clinical practices. Based on a comprehensive literature review and consensus opinion of an expert committee, the AAP has updated its 2004 recommendations on diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high BP in children and adolescents.

Key Recommendations:

Diagnosis

Definitions in children aged 1 to 13 years:
- Normal BP: <90th percentile (based on age, sex, and height)
- Elevated BP (previously called prehypertension): ≥90thto <95thpercentile, or >120/80 mm Hg
- S…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

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