Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of hypertension in childhood is app. 1%. The etiology of hypertension in childhood differs considerably to the adult population - secondary forms of hypertension are more common than the primary form. In general, the younger the child and the higher the blood pressure, the more probably is a secondary form of hypertension. Severe forms of hypertension are usually secondary, on contrary the borderline and mild forms of hypertension, especially in adolescents are usually primary. The most common causes of secondary hypertension are renal diseases (renoparenchymal or renovascular). Cardiac diseases and endocrinopathies are less frequent causes of secondary hypertension. Each child with hypertension has to be carefully investigated, the extent of the investigations depends on the age of the child and severity of hypertension. The main task for the investigation is to exclude or reveal a secondary form of hypertension, which could be causally treated. Treatment of hypertension is non-pharmacological and pharmacological.

        Key words: arterial hypertension, blood pressure, children