[Arterial hypertension in childhood]. / Hipertensão arterial na infância.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review recent medical literature, focusing on practical features that are relevant for diagnosis and outpatient treatment of pediatric hypertension. SOURCES: Classic articles and systematic review of recent literature through electronic search of Medline and Lilacs databases over the last 10 years, using the key words arterial hypertension, newborns, infants, preschool, children and adolescents. Those articles containing relevant information were selected. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Arterial hypertension and obesity are public health problems all over the world. Essential arterial hypertension in adults begins in childhood and can also be secondary to several diseases. Pediatricians must measure the arterial pressure of the patients in a proper manner. When arterial hypertension is detected, it must be investigated in order to be adequately treated. The investigation depends on the age and the rising degree of the arterial pressure, taking into consideration the cause of hypertension, as well as its effects on target organs. CONCLUSIONS: The early recognition of an abnormal arterial pressure followed by adequate investigation and treatment are required to reduce the cardiovascular and renal morbidity/mortality.