Assessment of hypertension-mediated organ damage in children and adolescents with hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a serious condition that without treatment leads to increased cardiovascular risk and hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD).HMOD includes damage of heart, vascular bed, kidneys, and central nervous system (CNS).Currently used methods of HMOD assessment include estimation of left ventricular mass index (LVMi) in echocardiography, electrocardiography, eye fundus examination, evaluation of kidney function and microalbuminuria. Other recommended, but not obligatory HMOD assessment methods include measurement of cIMT by ultrasonography and PWV. Recent studies indicate also cognitive impairment in hypertensive children measured in neurocognition tests and questionnaires.HMOD assessment in children and adolescents with arterial hypertension can support decision-making process concerning anti-HT treatment and monitoring of the long-term clinical outcomes.Effective antihypertensive treatment can lead to the regression of HMOD.