Pediatric Hypertension

Accurate blood pressure measurement using age-appropriate cuff sizes is essential. A diagnosis requires elevated readings on three separate occasions.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) may be used for 24-hour monitoring to confirm true hypertension or detect masked hypertension.

Further evaluation includes:

• Blood and urine tests: To check kidney function, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• Imaging: Kidney ultrasound or computed tomography (CT), echocardiogram to look for organ involvement or structural issues
• Specialist referral if secondary hypertension is suspected

Treatment Goals

• Lower blood pressure 
• Prevent target organ damage (e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy, kidney injury).
• Address and treat underlying causes (in secondary hypertension).
• Promote long-term cardiovascular health through lifestyle modification.

1. Lifestyle Modifications (First-Line Therapy)

2. Pharmacologic Treatment

3. Treatment of Secondary Causes

In cases of secondary hypertension, treat the underlying condition alongside BP management:

• Renovascular hypertension → angioplasty or surgical correction
• Endocrine disorders → hormone regulation or surgery
• Renal disease → nephrology-directed care

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up