Clinical and epidemiological overview of systemic arterial hypertension in pediatrics

an integrative literature review

Abstract

Objective:  Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in childhood is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to carry out a literature review on hypertension in childhood, looking at epidemiological aspects, risk factors and clinical stages.  The selection searched for studies in North American and Portuguese literature through the PubMed/Medline, SciELO and Brazilian Society of Pediatrics databases. We selected 10 articles and 6 guidelines that contained the outcomes of interest in this review. The articles selected show that a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight are the main causes of these patients' worsening condition in adulthood. In addition, there is a lack of periodic blood pressure measurement in childcare consultations, making early diagnosis difficult for appropriate interventions.  We conclude that early recognition of abnormal blood pressure and appropriate intervention (investigation and treatment) are necessary to reduce the number of cases that develop into complications.