Hypertension in children.

Abstract. Hypertension is a major public health issue in industrialized nations, affecting approximately 20% of adults. Hypertension often begins in childhood, and children with hypertension are very likely to be seen with this disorder as adults. The close associations of hypertension with atherosclerosis, coronary and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and end-stage renal disease make it a major contributor to the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in adult population. (1) According to many studies performed in adult populations, the effective treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, renal disease and congestive heart failure. (2)