child screening programme

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Hypertension (child)

Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. Although it is common in adults, high blood pressure is much rarer in children. A specific cause of raised blood pressure is usually found in children.

Read more about hypertension on the NHS website.

UK NSC screening recommendation Based on the last UK NSC review of this condition that occurred in November 2022.

Screening is not currently recommended for this condition.

Screening for hypertension is not recommended in children because:

  • it is not known how many children have hypertension and the long term effects this will have on their health in the UK
  • an accurate test is not available for screening children and young people
  • it is not known how to avoid the early signs of ill health and longer term disease in adults

Supporting documents from the 2022 review

Evidence map
This document investigates whether a more detailed review can be conducted based on the available evidence.

Coversheet
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Supporting documents from the 2018 review

In 2018, the UK NSC did not recommend screening for this condition.

Evidence summary Hypertension child (2018)
This document provides the evidence on which the current UK NSC recommendation is based.

UK NSC coversheet & consultation responses Hypertension child (2018)
This document summarises the review process including the public consultation comments.

Review cycle

Date previous review completed: 2022

Next review estimated to be completed: 2025 to 2026.

To see previous evidence reviews, visit the UK NSC archive.

Organisations interested in Hypertension (child)

These organisations have expressed interest in this recommendation and may submit responses to evidence reviews.

List of organisations

If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.