Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children: a safe and effective diagnostic and screening tool for the diagnosis of hypertension in children.

INTRODUCTION Hypertension is becoming an increasingly recognized health problem in children. The obesity epidemic has led to a greater frequency of hypertension diagnosis in children. In adults, hypertension is a leading cause of preventable death, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. For all patients, the goal of identifying and treating hypertension is to prevent end-organ damage and reduce mortality.