Actual recommendations on diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents (part one)

Hypertension is one of the commonest diseases. High blood pressure and its complications are most important elements of cardiovascular risk. Positive correlation between morbidity, mortality and hypertension in adults is apparent. Early start of the disease worsens future prognosis. There are two forms of arterial hypertension: primary and secondary, the latter observed in the course of much pathology. In adults we have to do mostly with primary form of the disease. Up until recently we thought, that high blood pressure in children occurs less commonly and that it is present mostly in its secondary form. Lately, with the progress in diagnostic tools and popularisation of blood pressure measurements as a part of paediatric examination, it becomes apparent, that primary hypertension in adolescents occurs frequently and can be diagnosed even in small children. It is important to establish clear rules concerning detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in this age group. Periodically American authors publish reports describing that important problem. The latest report was published in August 2004 edition of "Pediatrics". The report sets out the current canon of rules and forms the basis of this article.