Endothelial Dysfunction in Adolescent Hypertension: Diagnostic Challenges and Early Cardiovascular Risk.

Abstract

Hypertension in adolescence causes early vascular injury manifesting as endothelial dysfunction (ED), which signifies elevated cardiovascular risk. This review synthesizes recent insights (2020-2025) into ED's mechanisms and detection in hypertensive youth. We highlight how reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal changes in puberty contribute to ED and consequent vascular remodeling. Non-invasive diagnostic tools (e.g., flow-mediated dilation, peripheral arterial tonometry) reveal that even asymptomatic hypertensive adolescents have measurable ED linked to arterial stiffness and cardiac changes. Encouragingly, ED in youth appears reversible: exercise and dietary interventions improve endothelial function, and pharmacotherapy (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) can restore endothelial health beyond blood pressure control. Early identification of ED in hypertensive adolescents is therefore critical-it not only refines risk stratification (e.g., unmasking high-risk "white-coat" hypertension) but also presents an opportunity to initiate lifestyle modifications and therapy to preserve vascular function.