Hypertension in adolescents.

BP elevation in adolescence may be the first clue to underlying renal or other organ-system pathology, or it may be simply a warning sign of future cardiovascular risk. Careful measurement of BP and thorough evaluation of adolescents with sustained BP elevation should make possible the identification of those who require treatment. Usually a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures will result in satisfactory control of hypertension while permitting a normal quality of life.