Childhood Hypertension: An Indian Perspective

Currently India is undergoing through a phase of epidemic transition & non-communicable disease are on rise compared to the communicable diseases.1 About 1 billion people are suffering from hypertension worldwide & the figure is expected to be 1.56 billion by 2025. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases will cause largest amount of death and disability in India by 2020.It can be easily understood that there will be a constant rise in the incidence of childhood hypertension unless there is appropriate intervention. Historically, hypertension in children, particularly in the younger age group, was thought to be rare and secondary in origin. However, recent reports suggest an increased prevalence of childhood hypertension, particularly essential, also known as primary hypertension. Hypertension in children, regardless of the aetiology, results in significant end-organ damage, which in turn may lead to significant morbidity and mortality later on in life. An early diagnosis and proper management of childhood hypertension may therefore prevent hypertension-related complications in adulthood.