In recent decades, a large number of studies have been conducted to assess the clinical significance of hypertension in children and adolescents. While it was previously thought that most cases of hypertension in this age were secondary, it is now clear that the majority are primary. Numerous studies have shown that essential hypertension is linked to early organ damage, particularly to the heart and blood vessels, as early as childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, a link has been demonstrated between elevated blood pressure in childhood and adolescence and the presence of hypertensive disease in adulthood. Recent robust evidence has also shown that hypertension occurring at a young age is associated with a significant increase in mortality and cardiovascular events later in life.
Clinical Practice Guidelines