Two newborn infants developed cardiac failure due to severe hypertensi
on which was recognised as the heart failure was treated. Renal abnorm
alities were found in both infants who are normotensive off treatment
at 18 months follow up. The finding of hypertension rather than hypote
nsion in the presence of cardiac failure and the apparent absence of a
cardiac abnormality should prompt a search for a renal or renovascula
r cause.