Childhood predictors of high blood pressure

Abstract

Longitudinal studies in children have tracked blood pressure through childhood and from child­hood into adult life. However, many children do not maintain their rank during these periods of ob­servation. Several of the factors contributing to maintenance of rank order are reviewed, such as initial level of blood pressure, body size, sexual maturation, and family history of high blood pres­sure. Children with initially high level of blood pressure are more likely to become adults with high blood pressure, particularly if they are obese as children or become obese as young adults, and if they have a positive family history for hyperten­sion. © 1991 by the American Journal of Hypertension, Inc.