What is the expected BP response in a child diagnosed with secondary hypertension?

In children diagnosed with secondary hypertension, it is expected that both systolic and diastolic blood pressures will be elevated. Secondary hypertension occurs due to underlying conditions such as renal disease, endocrine disorders, or other pathological changes that lead to an elevation in blood pressure. This condition is distinct from primary hypertension, which is usually idiopathic and more often involves just elevated systolic pressure.

When a child presents with secondary hypertension, the involvement of these underlying issues typically causes a comprehensive impact on cardiovascular health, resulting in both components of blood pressure—systolic and diastolic—being elevated. Monitoring and diagnosing secondary hypertension are crucial, as it may indicate significant underlying health problems that require targeted management.

Normal blood pressure, only elevated diastolic pressure, or a disparity where systolic pressure is normal while diastolic pressure is elevated, are generally not associated with secondary hypertension. These conditions imply other potential pathologies that do not align with the uniform increase in blood pressure often seen in cases of secondary hypertension.