Highlights for the Management of a Child with Hypertension

Table 2

Therapeutic objectives for treating hypertension in children.

Achieve a diastolic blood pressure <85th percentile for children of same sex, chronological age, and body mass.
Control hypertension with nonpharmacological means when possible.
Use the smallest number of antihypertensive drugs and the lowest dose of each drug necessary for consistent blood pressure control and minimal drug side effects.
Design treatment programs that are consistent with maximum likelihood of patients compliance.
Achieve long-term prevention of end-organ damage and promote normal growth and development.