Children with high blood pressure may not suffer the consequences of hypertension until they become adults but, if left untreated, their condition can put them on a path to atherosclerosis and heart attack.
Despite the importance of proper diagnosis in this population, studies have shown elevated blood pressure is correctly identified in less than one-quarter of children who have it, according to The New York Times.
In August, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for screening and managing hypertension in youth. The new guidelines contain a simplified chart—based only on age and gender—to help physicians quickly determine whether a child’s blood pressure is in the normal range.
The New York Times summarizes the new guidelines and shares insights from doctors in the following story:
Daniel joined TriMed’s Chicago editorial team in 2017 as a Cardiovascular Business writer. He previously worked as a writer for daily newspapers in North Dakota and Indiana.