Authors: Marcovecchio, M. L.; Chiarelli, Francesco; Mohn, Angelika

Source: Current Hypertension Reviews, Volume 5, Number 4, November 2009 , pp. 313-320(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Childhood obesity is associated with a significant increased risk for several metabolic and cardiovascular complications, including hypertension. The main mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of high blood pressure in relation to increased body weight are insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity and alterations in vascular structure and function. Obesity-related hypertension is associated with cardiovascular complications already during childhood and with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in adulthood. A high prevalence of the nondipping phenomenon has also been detected in obese children and adolescents and this is worrying as this condition is associated with end-organ damage. Assessing blood pressure is therefore particularly important in obese children and adolescents for an early detection of its alterations. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring represents an important method of measuring blood pressure, particularly in the suspicion of white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension and non-dipping phenomenon.

Prevention and treatment of childhood obesity represent important means in order to prevent and reduce the incidence of hypertension and the associated cardiovascular risk. Reduction in body weight is generally the first step in the management of obesity-related hypertension. However, in severe cases or in cases non responsive to lifestyle interventions, drug therapy should be considered.

Keywords: Hypertension; blood pressure; obesity; children; cardiovascular disease; complications

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157340209789587735

Publication date: 2009-11-01

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• Current Hypertension Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on hypertension and its related areas e.g. nephrology, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all clinicians and researchers in the field of hypertension.