NHLBI issues update on task force report on high blood pressure in children and adolescents.

Health-related behaviors that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease should be encouraged for all children and their families. Physicians should monitor blood pressure, counsel patients about appropriate nutrition and exercise, and emphasize the importance of not smoking. Because black adults in the United States have an increased prevalence, morbidity and mortality of essential hypertension, the working group advises physicians to be particularly vigilant in monitoring blood pressure in black children, especially those with a family history of hypertension. Other groups with a higher prevalence of hypertension and any person with a family history of hypertension should be monitored closely.