Hipertensión arterial en la población infantil: manejo terapéutico.

Abstract

High blood pressure (HBP) is not a common problem in infants; however, early diagnosis can help prevent future complications, as hypertension has etiologies that correlate with morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, as well as being a predisposing factor for chronic kidney failure.It should be noted that the origin of this condition is related to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Most often, hypertension is a consequence of an inadequate lifestyle. Overweight children are at higher risk of developing this condition compared to underweight infants. Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle is another factor closely linked to obesity, as is high sodium intake. In primary hypertension, treatment should be based on non-pharmacological measures that will reduce sedentary lifestyles and obesity, such as consuming only salt and saturated fats. In contrast, in secondary hypertension, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment are essential, as they are intended to control high blood pressure.However, the pharmacological indications for each patient are different and these will start with only one drug in progressive doses until the patient improves. In case of failure, the drug should be replaced or one from a different group should be indicated. In cases with secondary etiology, it will be a specific and selective treatment, whether curative or palliative, prior to a non-pharmacological action. Non-pharmacological treatment (in special cases), as in this case, will depend on blood pressure values ​​as the etiology and associated risk factors.