Study: Hypertension in connection with learning and attention problems in children
Study: Hypertension in connection with learning and attention problems in children
In this study, it was examined whether there is a connection between primary hypertension (high blood pressure) and learning disabilities (LDS) in children. The study included 201 patients aged 10 to 18 who took part in a pediatric hypertension clinic over a period of three years. It was found that 18 % of the children examined had LDS, which is significantly higher than the average in the general population (estimated 5 %). The likelihood of having LDS was significantly higher in children with hypertension than in children without hypertension, regardless of an accompanying attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study suggests that high blood pressure, LDS and ADHD are major challenges for children and their health service providers. Treatment strategies for high blood pressure and ADHD were also discussed. However, further investigations are necessary to better understand the connection between high blood pressure and LDS in children.
Details of the study:
Design
retrospective cross -sectional overview.
Participant
Data from 201 patients aged 10 to 18 years were collected, which were transferred to the pediatric hypertension clinic of the University of Rochester Medical Center over a period of three years. It was judged whether the test subjects either suffered from primary hypertension or not. Patients were considered hypertensive when the systolic or diastolic measured values were over the 95th percentile during the first visit and then an outpatient 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, an assessment by a school nurse or a domestic surveillance were confirmed. Learning disabilities (LDS) confirmed by the provider and/or formal treatment of the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were assessed in accordance with the parents' report. Patients with secondary hypertension, known development delay or those who received blood pressure -lowering medication were excluded from the study.most important findings
of the children examined had 18 % (n = 37) LDS, which is significantly more than the estimated 5 % of the general population. Compared to the normotive group, the probability that the hypertensive group suffered from LDS was significantly higher (28 % compared to 9 %). p <0.001), regardless of comorbider ADHD. The rate of LDS in the group of hypertensioners remained increased if old, gender, low socio -economic status and obesity were adjusted.
Effects on the practice
According to the International Pediatric Hypertension Association, up to 5 % of children suffer from primary hypertension. 1 The epidemic of obesity in children makes this concern even more because overweight children have a triple risk fall ill. 2 Studies show that the lifetime prevalence of LDS in US children is almost 10 %. In children from 2003 to 2007, more than 20 % has risen.
The treatment strategies for high blood pressure outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics first focus on changes in the lifestyle and reserve the right to intervent with pharmacological interventions for cases in which the reaction to lifestyle is insufficient, as well as for secondary high blood pressure. 5 While recent clinical studies have expanded the number of blood pressure-lowering medication with pediatric dosage information, these studies also show that a number of frequently used blood-pressure-lowering drugs in the pediatric population were ineffective. 6.7 It should also be noted that there is no data on the long-term effects of these drugs on growth and development, but they are still routinely prescribed to children.
There is no data on the long -term effects of these drugs on growth and development, but they are still routinely prescribed to children. Current treatment strategies for ADHD focus on stimulating medication and/or behavioral therapy. 10 The authors recognize that the inclusion of children that take stimulating medication against ADHD is a restriction of the study. Interestingly, Guanfacin (Tenex), an Alpha-2-Adrenoceptor agonist who is prescribed adults as a blood-pressure-lowering medication, has been used in recent years either or in connection with stimulating drugs for the treatment of ADHD. While it is assumed that Guanfacin's mechanism of action is based on the binding of adrenoceptors in the prefrontal cortex, its effectiveness may also be attributed to its blood pressure-lowering properties.
From a naturopathic perspective, this study encourages practitioners to find and treat the cause. The mechanism, the primary hypertension linked to LDS in children, has not yet been examined. However, inflammation, poison and heavy metal pollution, lack of nutrients and an exaggerated stress reaction should be assessed. When considering successful treatments, which are often used by naturopathic doctors to treat high blood pressure and support cognitive function, an overlap is immediately noticeable. Diet change, weight loss and movement would be the first recommendations of most, if not all naturopathic medicine. Accordingly, the status of antioxidants and essential fatty acids as well as B vitamins, calcium and magnesium would be important considerations for both diseases; Just like the use of herbal medicines with cardiotonic, adaptogenic and nerve -strengthening properties. By linking neurocognitive functions in the pediatric population with high blood pressure, this study can help to control the diagnosis, treatment and ultimately the prevention of these diseases. A causal connection has not yet been proven and further examinations are required. The examination of the occurrence of one when it is presented in the clinical environment appears justified and can be easily implemented.
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