Pediatric Hypertension: Impact on the Heart, Brain, Kidney, and Retina

AbstractPurpose of ReviewPediatric hypertension is increasing in incidence with concomitant increases in childhood obesity. Target organ damage from primary or secondary pediatric hypertension is a growing concern, as the pathogenesis of vascular disease, typically observed later in life, may begin at a young age. While hypertensive complications are described extensively in adults, much less is known about end organ damage from elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents.Recent FindingsThis review highlights the recent advances describing the target organ damage in the macro- and microvasculature resulting from hypertension. Persistently elevated blood pressure in childhood is associated with vascular changes affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and retina. Emerging research shows that elevated blood pressure in children has effect on neurocognitive function in specific domains such as executive functioning, attention, and memory. Microalbuminuria is an early marker of kidney disease and a sign of glomerular injury and endothelial dysfunction that increases the risk of kidney damage and is associated with future kidney and cardiovascular events. Screening with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to improve blood pressure control and echocardiogram may aid in early prevention of end organ damage.SummaryIn this review, we summarize and critically evaluate recent findings, describe ongoing studies, and address future research questions. Implications for diagnosis, prog...
Source: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research