Effect of High Blood Pressure and Antihypertensive Treatment on Brain Functioning in Children
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects up to 10% of minority children and adolescents.
Although complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart attack, are uncommon
in childhood, high blood pressure-related organ damage can occur at a young age. Studies with
young adults have indicated that high blood pressure can affect the central nervous system,
resulting in deficits in brain function. However, more research is necessary to confirm the
association between neurocognitive deficits and high blood pressure in children and to
determine if these deficits are reversible with treatment. This study will determine whether
high blood pressure in children and adolescents has subtle effects on learning, attention,
and concentration. The study will also determine the effect of an antihypertensive treatment
plan, involving a combination of diet, weight loss, increased exercise, and if needed, blood
pressure medication, on brain function in children and adolescents receiving treatment for
high blood pressure.