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December 24, 2024
A recent study reveals that both parents of children diagnosed with hypertension and healthcare clinicians are exhibiting significant skepticism about high blood pressure readings, which could contribute to underdiagnosis and mismanagement of pediatric hypertension. The findings, published online December 13 in JAMA Network Open, underscore the challenges in addressing this growing health concern.
The study, led by Dr. Abbas H. Zaidi from Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Delaware, explored the perceptions and attitudes of both parents and healthcare providers toward pediatric hypertension. Through interviews with 13 parents whose children had been diagnosed with high blood pressure but did not follow up within a year, and 25 clinicians across 10 clinics, the research aimed to better understand the obstacles in the detection and treatment of hypertension in children.
Both parents and clinicians showed a strong awareness of the importance of regular blood pressure checks. However, many expressed doubts about the accuracy of clinic readings, often attributing high blood pressure results to factors such as situational stress or “white coat syndrome,” where patients experience elevated readings due to anxiety during medical visits.
Clinicians, while acknowledging the significance of pediatric hypertension, also cited competing priorities during annual visits that made it challenging to give hypertension the attention it requires. Meanwhile, both parents and healthcare providers expressed concern over the use of medication, with a shared preference for lifestyle changes over pharmacologic interventions.
Parents, in particular, voiced a desire for further diagnostic testing to better understand their children’s condition. However, clinicians displayed varied opinions on the need for additional testing, with some advocating for more targeted strategies and others urging caution in initiating treatments.
The study suggests that the combined skepticism about blood pressure readings, hesitations regarding medication, and preference for lifestyle-based interventions are hindering effective detection and management of pediatric hypertension. The authors call for greater incorporation of both parent and clinician perspectives in refining guidelines and strategies for managing the condition.
In conclusion, Dr. Zaidi and colleagues emphasize the need for improved communication and collaboration between healthcare teams and parents to address the growing issue of pediatric hypertension, ultimately improving outcomes for children affected by the condition.
For more information, the full study can be accessed through JAMA Network Open.
