Blood Pressure in Children in the 21st Century: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go From Here?

Abstract

The association between hypertension in adulthood and cardiovascular morbidity and death is well known. Based on that association, a diagnosis of elevated blood pressure in children has been clinically interpreted as early cardiovascular disease. The objective of this review is to discuss historical data and new research on the relationship between elevated blood pressure and early preclinical and later adult cardiovascular disease. After summarizing the evidence, we will address the gaps in knowledge around Pediatric hypertension in an effort to stimulate research into the important role that control of blood pressure in youth may play in preventing adult cardiovascular disease.