Updates to pediatric hypertension guidelines: influence on classification of high blood pressure in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The American Academy of Pediatrics updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for screening high blood pressure (HBP) in children and adolescents in 2017. This study aimed to assess differences in HBP classification applying this updated HBP definition in a large sample of Chinese youth. METHODS: Data from 50 336 youth aged 6–17 participating in the 2013 Chinese national survey were analyzed. HBP was diagnosed according to the established (Fourth Report) and updated (2017 CPG) definitions. The associations between HBP with BMI, height, early life factors and behavioral factors were investigated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Applying the CPG definition, 16.7% of children (6–12 years) and 7.9% of adolescents (13–17 years) had HBP, compared with 10.8 and 6.3% applying the Fourth Report definition. Prevalence estimates for HBP differed the greatest for boys, children aged 11, those with high BMI, and those of tall stature. The odds ratios (ORs) for HBP with BMI, height, hip and waist circumference, early life factors and behavioral factors were comparable for the two definitions. CONCLUSION: The new criteria for HBP in young people will lead healthcare providers to diagnose more children as hypertensive. Notably, associations between HBP with BMI and other medical and behavioral factors remained strong, supporting validity of the new definition.