Should Blood Pressure Be a Component of the Pediatric Exam?

The USPSTF still finds insufficient evidence to support or refute screening for primary hypertension in asymptomatic children and adolescents.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Population: Pediatric primary care providers

Background and Objective

The prevalence of hypertension in children is 1%–3%, but may be as high as 11% in obese children. The USPSTF reviewed the evidence for or against screening for primary hypertension in asymptomatic children and adolescents as a marker for future adult cardiovascular disease to update its 2003 recommendation.

What's Changed

This recommendation is similar to the 2003 recommendation in that the USPSTF concludes that the evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms still is insufficient.

Key Points

Evidence is inadequate that early detection and treatment of childhood hypertension results in sustaine…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

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