Loading...
Hypertension in children is frequently not diagnosed. Despite a 2013 statement by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that “evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for primary hypertension in asymptomatic children and adolescents to prevent subsequent cardiovascular disease,” (Ann Intern Med 2013; 159:613) the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine blood pressure (BP) screening starting at the 3-year visit. In addition, AAP recommends BP screening from birth for infants and young children with specific complex medical conditions.
In a review article on diagnosis and management of hypertension in children, the author recommends the following to improve clinical practice:
Clinical d…