Predicting hypertension in childhood: value of blood pressure measurement and family history.

An elevated casual blood pressure (BP) in children and a positive family history for hypertension are risk indicators for adult hypertension. The risk of future hypertension is higher when BP levels in children or their parents are higher. Using multiple BP readings in children and their parents, groups of children can be discriminated with contrasting risks as a basis for studying the early phase of primary hypertension. Yet, as a means of detecting groups of children eligible for intervention, family history and BP level lack sensitivity for adequate selection. Before screening for future hypertension may be initiated successfully in prepubertal children, more should be known about the determinants and etiology of future BP rise.