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The risk factors for elevated blood pressure and how to address cardiovascular risk factors: a review in paediatric populations

Abstract

This paper examines the epidemiology of hypertension and management strategies of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in paediatric populations in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world in the 21st century. A computerized literature search was carried out using Medline, Evidence-Based Child Health (A Cochrane Review Journal), the Cochrane Library and Cochrane Child Health Field. A manual search in the African Journal for physical, health education, recreation and dance, the South African Journal for Research in Sports, Physical Education and Recreation and a few individuals in the area were requested to send some of their recent unpublished and published reports in the field. High prevalence rates and high odds ratios for high blood pressure (BP) were recorded in children aged 5–17 years. There is a need for health ministries to improve the public health sector so as to close the gap between the rich and the poor. Although personal and parental responsibility remain crucial, it also falls on the government to help control powerful environmental factors that are leading our children to premature ill-health and mortality. Equally, health professionals are increasingly recognized that they have a significant role to play in delivering medical treatment of hypertension in children.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Taryn Young, Cochrane Library, Medical Research Council is thankfully acknowledged for the advice and valuable information she provided in the preparation of this manuscript. The authors are grateful to Tania Witbooi, Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle Unit, Medical Research Council and Titus Motlogeloa, Johanna Makgae and Thomas Makata, Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study administrators and to the South African Medical Research Council for providing technical support in the preparation of this manuscript. Monyeki MS and Malatji MJ (Makgoka High School, Limpopo Province) are thankfully acknowledged for editing this manuscript.

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Monyeki, K., Kemper, H. The risk factors for elevated blood pressure and how to address cardiovascular risk factors: a review in paediatric populations. J Hum Hypertens 22, 450–459 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2008.21

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