1st International Congress of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
It is a little under 4 months before the inaugural meeting of the First International Congress of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents, and considerable interest has been generated. The scientific committee has finalised the programme and pleased to announce that an international faculty of the highest calibre has been assembled. Topics will range from overview of the challenges, epidemiology, blood pressure measurement, pathogenesis, assessment of target organ damage, risk profiling, comorbidities, diagnosis, treatment, guidelines and assessment of secondary causes.
This congress is aimed to an important scientific and clinical need. Hypertension in children and adolescents is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world. In a recent systematic review from Africa the prevalence of hypertension and slightly elevated BP was 5.5% and 12.7% respectively, and overweight and obesity were important risk factors. (Lancet Public Health 2017; 2: e375–86). These findings have major implications for health systems as these young people are likely to track to adult hypertension with all its attendant complications of premature cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal diseases.
Accurate diagnosis of hypertension is also crucial, and accurate measurement of BP and interpretation is essential. In this regard the congress will be offering a practical workshop, and simplified methods for interpretation of BP.
Identification of children and adolescents at risk for future hypertension and cardiovascular disease is also critically important. Understanding the pathogenesis and implementing preventative strategies are essential to prevent progressive target organ damage. Insights into the pathogenesis and causes of hypertension in young people will be presented by leading experts.
Another key component of the congress is the exchange of scientific information, and scientists and clinicians are urged to submit their research to the Scientific Committee for consideration for either oral or poster presentation.