Global Pediatric Health (Jan 2016)

Risk Factors in Adolescent Hypertension

  • D. Rose Ewald,
  • Lauren A. Haldeman PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794x15625159
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Hypertension is a complex and multifaceted disease, with many contributing factors. While diet and nutrition are important influences, the confounding effects of overweight and obesity, metabolic and genetic factors, racial and ethnic predispositions, socioeconomic status, cultural influences, growth rate, and pubertal stage have even more influence and make diagnosis quite challenging. The prevalence of hypertension in adolescents far exceeds the numbers who have been diagnosed; studies have found that 75% or more go undiagnosed. This literature review summarizes the challenges of blood pressure classification in adolescents, discusses the impact of these confounding influences, and identifies actions that will improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.