[en] Preventive character of pediatric care determines the need of the diagnosis of arterial hypertension and its consequences in a population of children and adolescents. Since 1977, the National High Blood Pressure Educational Program Working Groups has regularly published recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension in children and adolescents. Standardisation of blood pressure measurement and evaluation is important for pediatricians. It is expected that early therapeutic interventions may reduce cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood. (author)