pediatrics
Hypertension in Children
Definition of hypertension in children
Because there are no outcomes data for hypertension in children, hypertension in children < 13 years of age is classified normatively, ie, in comparison to blood pressure measurements in a large group of children. Normative blood pressure values in children < 13 years of age vary by age, sex, and height (see blood pressure percentile level tables for Blood Pressure (BP) Percentile Levels for Boys by Age and Height (Measured and Percentile) and Blood pressure in children ≥ 13 of age is classified based on actual blood pressure values (see table Classification of Blood Pressure (BP) in Children). Classification Classification Age 1 to < 13 Years, BP Age 1 to < 13 Years, BP Age ≥ 13 Years, BP Age ≥ 13 Years, BP Normal < 90th percentile* < 120/< 80 Elevated ≥ 90th percentile (or ≥ 120/80, whichever is lower) to < 95th percentile 120–129/< 80 Stage 1 hypertension ≥ 95th percentile to < 95th percentile + 12 mm Hg OR 130/80 to 139/89, whichever is lower 130/80 to 139/89 Stage 2 hypertension ≥ 95th percentile + 12 mm Hg OR ≥ 140/90, whichever is lower ≥ 140/90 * Percentiles refer to systolic BP. Adapted fromFlynn JT, Kaelber DC, Baker-Smith CM, et al: Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents, table 3.Pediatrics140(3):e20171904, 2017. doi: 10.1542/peds.2017-1904 