Effects of systemic hypertension on the cardiovascular system

Hypertension is a well-characterized risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease in adults. More recently, data obtained from autopsy studies as well as epidemiological longitudinal studies have demonstrated that similar end organ changes occur in children and adolescents with even mild elevations in blood pressure. These changes in early life predict the development of adult end organ disease. Specifically, chronic elevations in blood pressure in pediatric patients lead to alteration in left atrial and ventricular structure. Hypertension is also associated with impaired ventricular relaxation and decreased compliance. These cardiac changes occur in parallel with alterations in the vascular system and development of atherosclerosis. For these reasons, children with elevated blood pressures must be identified and treated appropriately in order to improve their long-term outcomes.