Arterial Hypertension in Pediatrics. Role of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)

Abstract

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of hypertension in children has risen in last years, secondary to the increase in overweight and obesity in pediatric population, among other factors. An adequate diagnosis and opportune treatment can prevent the development of organ damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the performance of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitorization in children with risk factors or suspected hypertension, in order to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. New recommendations recently published simplifies the interpretation; blood pressure load is no longer included in the diagnosis, so only 4 categories remain: Normotension, White Coat Hypertension, Masked Hypertension and Ambulatory Hypertension. They also propose single cut-off values for patients ≥ 13 years, similar to those recommended for adults in 2017 American Heart Association guidelines. Both changes increase sensibility in organ damage diagnosis. This article presents an actualization in pediatric Chilean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitorization guidelines in order to unify criteria and attain nationwide broadcast. It also reviews the ambulatory categories of blood pressure and describes target organ damage in children, including recommendations for the correct use of the exam and proposes a report form.