pediatrics
Hypertension in Children
Key Points
Most hypertension in children is primary. Confirm diagnosis of hypertension with readings on three different visits. Rule out secondary causes of hypertension by physical examination and laboratory tests. Initiate treatment with lifestyle changes, primarily diet and exercise. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, add drug treatment, beginning with either a calcium channel blocker or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Titrate drug dosing and drugs until optimal blood pressure is reached. 