Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in children.

Hypertension is a global problem, affecting both developed and developing nations. In children and adolescents, hypertension has gained ground in cardiovascular medicine, thanks to the progress made in several areas of pathophysiologic and clinical research. Childhood hypertension is often asymptomatic and is easily missed, even by health professionals. Target organ damage is detectable in children and adolescents. Management of hypertension includes lifestyle changes and pharmacologic treatment. In the case of secondary hypertension, pharmacologic treatment usually is required. In essential hypertension, assessment of early organ damage provides a useful tool for treatment decisions.