Pediatric High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Care
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Comprehensive care for children with high blood pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) in children and teens can affect their long-term health. For this reason, kids with hypertension need an expert evaluation to find the underlying cause and determine the right treatment approach.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals are home to the only pediatric hypertension program in the region. Our team creates personalized, family-centered care plans to reduce the likelihood of health complications and help kids feel their best. We also participate in research and offer clinical trials so our patients can benefit from promising new therapies.
Team-based care for childhood hypertension
High blood pressure can affect children's bodies in many ways. They may experience symptoms, such as headaches, chest pain or difficulty sleeping. Left untreated, hypertension can eventually damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, your child has access to specialists in:
Nephrology
Cardiology
Nutrition
Social work
These providers work together to develop a care plan that supports your child's medical, nutritional and developmental needs. We involve parents and caregivers in all treatment decisions and help you understand how to best support your child's health.
Comprehensive care for children with high blood pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) in children and teens can affect their long-term health. For this reason, kids with hypertension need an expert evaluation to find the underlying cause and determine the right treatment approach.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals are home to the only pediatric hypertension program in the region. Our team creates personalized, family-centered care plans to reduce the likelihood of health complications and help kids feel their best. We also participate in research and offer clinical trials so our patients can benefit from promising new therapies.
Team-based care for childhood hypertension
High blood pressure can affect children's bodies in many ways. They may experience symptoms, such as headaches, chest pain or difficulty sleeping. Left untreated, hypertension can eventually damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, your child has access to specialists in:
Nephrology
Cardiology
Nutrition
Social work
These providers work together to develop a care plan that supports your child's medical, nutritional and developmental needs. We involve parents and caregivers in all treatment decisions and help you understand how to best support your child's health.
Providers
Paul R. Brakeman, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Elaine Ku, MD
Pediatric Nephrology • Nephrology
Megan Schoettler, NP
Pediatrics
Scott J. Soifer, MD, MS
Pediatric Cardiology • Pediatric Critical Care
Awards & achievements
Top 10 in the nation for nephrology
Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Hypertension
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.