Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension should not be diagnosed till blood pressure is repeated 2–3 times to confirm findings. When evaluating blood pressure in children, gender, age and height should be taken in consideration. Hypertension is when blood pressure measurements are above the 95th percentile for age, gender and height. Prehypertension is when blood pressure measurements are between the 90th and the 95th percentile for gender, age, and height. Primary hypertension is the most common cause of hypertension in children older than 2 years of age. Secondary hypertension must always be ruled out in children prior to making the diagnosis of primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is more common in obese children, particularly those with positive family history.