The San Antonio Biethnic Children's Blood Pressure Study: auscultatory findings.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study were to: (a) examine for possible ethnicity-related and gender-related differences in blood pressure (BP) in Mexican American and non-Hispanic White schoolchildren; (b) compare auscultatory and oscillometric BP levels; and (c) establish auscultatory BP standards using the width of the BP cuff based on the circumference of the arm in schoolchildren in K-12. METHODS: Participants were 6259 schoolchildren in kindergarten through 12th grade in the San Antonio, Texas, area. Auscultatory and oscillometric BP readings were obtained in random sequence, using BP cuff width 40% to 50% of the circumference of the upper arm. Averages of 3 readings were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Auscultatory systolic pressures (SPs) in preadolescent Mexican American boys and girls were higher (1 to 3 mm Hg) auscultatory (SP) than in their White counterparts, but the difference was clinically not important. Diastolic pressures (DP) showed no important differences. Auscultatory SPs in 13- to 18-year-old boys of both ethnic groups were significantly (P < .05) higher (3 to 12 mm Hg) than they were for girls, with no ethnic differences. Oscillometric SP was higher than auscultatory SP in children of all ages studied. Oscillometric (DP) was slightly lower (0 to 5 mm Hg) than was auscultatory K4 and higher (4 to 5 mm Hg) than was auscultatory K5 DP. DISCUSSION: No important ethnicity-related difference was found for auscultatory BP, but significant gender-related differences (boys greater than girls) were found in SP in subjects ages 13 to 18 years. Differences in BP readings by oscillometric and auscultatory methods do not allow interchange of readings. This study provides, for the first time, auscultatory BP standards using BP cuff width 40% to 50% of the arm circumference.     

Association between body mass index, skinfold thickness and blood pressure in 12-year-old children

The present study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness (SFT) with blood pressure (BP) in 12-year-old children in Shandong, China. A total of 920 (464 boys and 456 girls) 12-year-old students participated in this study. All subjects were divided into four groups (BMI < 25th, 25th ≤ BMI < 50th, 50th ≤ BMI < 75th, and BMI ≥ 75th) according to the percentile of BMI and into four groups (SFT < 25th, 25th ≤ SFT < 50th, 50th ≤ SFT < 75th, and SFT ≥ 75th) according to the percentile of SFT, respectively. Comparisons of BP among different groups were made by one-way ANOVA. High BP status was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 95th and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender. BMI and SFT were all significantly (P < 0.001) and positively related to SBP and DBP in both boys and girls. The prevalence of high BP in each group is rising with the percentiles of BMI and SFT in both boys and girls. Conclusion: There is a strong positive relationship between BMI, SFT, and BP in 12-year-old children; the present findings emphasize the importance of preventing excess BMI and SFT in order to prevent future-related problems such as hypertension in children and adolescents.     

Comparison of auscultatory and oscillometric blood pressures

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences in blood pressure readings between the auscultatory and oscillometric (Dinamap model 8100; Critikon, Tampa, Fla) methods. DESIGN: Survey of 2 blood pressure instruments. SETTING: Public schools. PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand two hundred eight schoolchildren aged 5 through 17 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Blood pressure levels. RESULTS: For all children combined, Dinamap systolic pressure readings were 10 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -4 to 24 mm Hg) than the auscultatory systolic pressure readings. Dinamap diastolic pressure readings were 5 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -14 to 23 mm Hg) than the auscultatory Korotkoff phase V diastolic pressure readings. CONCLUSION: These findings preclude the interchange of readings by the 2 methods. Caution must be exercised in the diagnosis of hypertension when an automated device is used.     

Resting blood pressure and pulse rate distributions in black adolescents: The Philadelphia Blood Pressure Project

Reference percentile distributions for blood pressure in black adolescents are not generally available. The most recently published BP percentile grids for children and adolescents were derived almost exclusively from information on white populations, and few data are available on the distribution of pulse rate for black adolescents. Reference percentiles for black adolescents for resting BP and 60-second pulse rate are presented. Given the tendency for high BP levels to track, these reference percentiles may be of value in determining the extent to which black adolescents are at risk for hypertensive disorders in adulthood. The percentiles were derived from a 3-year longitudinal study of black, urban Philadelphia adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years. Confirming results from studies of other populations in adolescence, a trend was found toward increased mean systolic BP for boys (P less than .001), and that boys have significantly higher (P less than .001) systolic BP than girls after chronologic age 15 years. Diastolic BP phase IV (muffling) exhibits no age or sex trends from ages 12 to 17 years, but adolescent girls overall have significantly higher (P less than .001) phase V diastolic (disappearance) than boys. Sixty-second pulse rate declines for both boys and girls in adolescence, although at every age 60-second pulse rate means are significantly faster in girls than boys (P less than .02). For girls older than 12 to 17 years, there is a significant, positive correlation between pulse rate and systolic BP (r = .16, P less than .01) and between pulse rate and phase IV diastolic (r = .23, P less than .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dietary nutrients and blood pressure in urban minority adolescents at risk for hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To determine if blood pressure (BP) level is associated with dietary micronutrients in adolescents at risk for hypertension. DESIGN: Adolescents aged 14 to 16 years, with BP higher than the 90th percentile on 2 separate measurements in a school setting, had diet assessments. A 24-hour intake recall was obtained on 180 students (108 boys and 72 girls). Folic acid intake was used as an index of fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake; the high folate group had a folate intake greater than the recommended daily allowance and the low folate group had a folate intake less than the recommended daily allowance. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Mean diastolic BP was significantly higher in the low folate vs the high folate group (boys: 72 vs. 67 mm Hg; girls: 76 vs. 73 mm Hg; P =.008). The difference in systolic blood pressure was not significant. There was no difference in body mass index between the diet groups. Sodium intake per 4184 kJ was not different. The low folate group had significantly lower intakes per 4184 kJ of potassium (P =.002), calcium (P = .001), magnesium (P<.001), and total intake of beta carotene, cholecalciferol, vitamin E, and all B vitamins. CONCLUSIONS: Among adolescents at risk for hypertension, BP was lower in those with higher intakes of a combination of nutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. Dietary benefits on BP observed on diets rich in a combination of nutrients derived from fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products could contribute to primary prevention of hypertension when instituted at an early age.     

The association of caffeinated beverages with blood pressure in adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the consumption of caffeinated beverages and blood pressure in African American and white adolescents. DESIGN: This study was part of ongoing research examining stress-induced hemodynamic responses in adolescents. African American and white adolescents (n = 159) selected foods and beverages for a 3-day sodium-controlled diet. Caffeine in these foods was used to stratify participants into 3 categories (0-50 mg/d, >50-100 mg/d, and >100 mg/d). Before menu selection, blood pressure readings were obtained. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A general linear model (multiple regression with both categorical and continuous variables) was developed to assess the effects of race, category of caffeine intake, and interaction of race and caffeine intake on systolic and diastolic blood pressure controlling for sex and body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). RESULTS: The association between systolic blood pressure and caffeine category varied by race (P =.001). African Americans consuming more than 100 mg/d of caffeine had higher systolic blood pressure readings than the groups consuming 0 to 50 mg/d (mean difference, 6.0 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3 to 9.7) or more than 50 to 100 mg/d (mean difference, 7.1 mm Hg; 95% CI, 3.4 to 10.7). The effect on diastolic blood pressure was less pronounced (P =.08). The diastolic blood pressure of the group consuming more than 100 mg/d was 3.7 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.41 to 7.0) higher than the group consuming more than 50 to 100 mg/d and was not statistically different from the group consuming 0 to 50 mg/d (mean difference, 2.4 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.9 to 5.8). There was no evidence that the association between diastolic blood pressure and caffeine intake varied by race (P =.80). CONCLUSIONS: For adolescents, especially African American adolescents, caffeine intake may increase blood pressure and thereby increase the risk of hypertension. Alternatively, caffeinated drink consumption may be a marker for dietary and lifestyle practices that together influence blood pressure. Additional research is needed owing to rising rates of adolescent hypertension and soft drink consumption.     

Blood pressure levels in south Indian adolescents.

The present study was undertaken to develop normative data for the blood pressure (BP) levels in adolescent boys and girls aged 10-17 years residing the rural and urban areas of North Arcot Ambedkar District, Tamil Nadu State. Blood pressures were evaluated as part of an ongoing study on growth and development in adolescents. A total of 7028 BP measurements collected cross-sectionally were subjected to statistical analysis. The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure levels were elevated in rural children as compared to that in urban children of respective sexes during 10 and 15 years of age. The mean BP levels were higher in both the rural and urban girls as compared to their male counterparts till the age of 15, after which the trend was reversed. While the mean SBP and DBP levels for rural children of either sex were stable over the age range considered, those for urban children exhibited consistent increase with age. In urban boys, the yearly mean increments in SBP and DBP were 2.5 mm Hg and 2.0 mm Hg and that in urban girls 2.4 mm Hg and 1.7 mm Hg, respectively. It is suggested that perhaps stress factors are responsible for the elevated mean BP levels among the rural adolescents as they are generally engaged in activities that exert considerable physical and psychological stress.     

Blood pressure among children and adolescents with normal weight but large waist circumference in Shandong,China

The present study examined the blood pressure (BP) characteristics of normal weight children and adolescents with a large waist circumference (WC) in a large population in Shandong, China. A total of 38,826 students (19,460 boys and 19,366 girls) aged 7–17 years participated in this study. Height, weight, WC, and BP of all subjects were measured. Normal weight was defined by the international cutoffs of body mass index; central obesity was defined as WC ≥90th percentile; relatively high BP status was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥95th percentile for age and gender. And 5.06 and 8.19 % of the normal weight boys and girls had central obesity. The Z-scores of SBP, DBP and the prevalence of relatively high BP for both boys and girls were all significantly higher in the normal weight with central obesity groups than in the normal weight with normal WC groups. Conclusion: These observations highlight that normal weight children and adolescents with central obesity might have an increased risk of elevated BP.     

北京地区儿童及青少年血压分布特征

目的了解北京地区儿童青少年血压的现况。方法按分层整群随机抽样法在北京市4个城区和3个郊区县的3—18岁儿童和青少年中,用“美国高血压教育项目工作组”和“中国高血压防治指南”推荐的测量方法进行收缩压（SBP）和舒张压（DBP）测量。记录、整理、分析血压测量的结果。结果北京地区3—18岁儿童青少年血压调查的有效数据人数20780人,城区10582人（50．9％）,郊县10198人（49．1％）;男10398人（50．0％）,女10382人（50．0％）。男童血压高于女童[SBP：（106±12）mmHgVS（101±11）mmHg,u=27．14,P〈0．01;DBP：（67±9）mmHgvs（65±8）mmHg,u=14．14,P〈0．01]（1mmHg=0．133kPa）。男女童血压均随年龄增长有逐渐增高的趋势,且SBP上升幅度较DBP高。城区儿童SBP和DBP的平均水平低于郊县儿童[SBP：（103±12）mmHgVS（104±12）mmHg,u=2．55,P〈O．05;DBP：（66±8）mmHgVS（67±9）mmHg,u=6．73,P〈0．01]。血压与年龄、身高、体重及体块指数（BMI）均有显著的正相关（P〈0．001）,收缩压与各变量的相关程度均较舒张压高。依据1987年北京市6—18岁儿童青少年性别年龄别血压标准,本次调查6～18岁儿童青少年高血压检出率为8．1％。结论获得了北京地区儿童青少年血压的分布特征;血压值与儿童的性别、年龄、身高、体重和BMI相关。     

Random-zero sphygmomanometer, Rose's tape, and the accuracy of the blood pressure measurements in children.

In the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns project, blood pressure (BP) was measured in 3549 randomly selected children aged 6-18 y in 1980, and 2887 and 2500 of the same individuals in 1983 and 1986, respectively. An ordinary mercury sphygmomanometer (OMS) was used in the first two surveys and a random-zero sphygmomanometer (RZS) in the third survey. Systolic and diastolic BP were lower when measured with an RZS than with an OMS and the shape of the age-related BP curve obtained with an RZS was significantly different from that obtained with an OMS, because low BP values were apparently measured more accurately with the former. Use of the RZS did not affect the distribution of the BP values. Rose's tape readings were used to evaluate the effect of training and to control the accuracy of the BP measurements. According to Rose's tape readings, Korotkoff's 4th phase BP was more difficult to measure accurately than 5th phase (p = 0.002). The mean values for the differences between the correct and actual BP readings on the Rose's tape were -1.2 mm Hg (SD 2.1) for systolic BP, 8.3 mm Hg (SD 13.6) for diastolic Korotkoff's 4th phase BP, and 1.2 mm Hg (SD 7.0) for diastolic Korotkoff's 5th phase BP, with a negative value indicating that the BP phase was measured lower than the correct value. Terminal digit preference was present in each survey to such an extent that it could have hampered the reaching of reliable conclusions from the data obtained with an OMS. The bias caused by terminal digit preference was obviated by the RZS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

新疆伊犁地区2438例哈萨克族儿童血压现况分析

目的：了解新疆伊犁地区哈萨克族儿童血压水平和高血压的发生状况及影响因素。方法：2009年5~6月采用随机整群抽样方法,抽取新疆伊犁地区哈萨克族学龄儿童2438例,进行身高、体重、腰围、臀围、皮褶厚度、血压测量,并计算体质指数（BMI）。结果：2438名儿童收缩压（SBP）平均水平为94±13 mm Hg,舒张压（DBP）平均水平为60±9 mm Hg,低于国内同年龄段汉族平均水平;检出高血压儿童138名,患病率5.66%（138/2438）,其中男童患病率4.38% （54/1232）,女童患病率6.97%（84/1206）,女童患病率高于男童（P<0.05）;血压及高血压患病率与BMI、腰围、臀围、皮褶厚度、性别、年龄均呈正相关。结论新疆伊犁地区哈萨克族儿童血压平均水平较国内儿童低;女童高血压患病率高于男童;肥胖与哈萨克族儿童高血压患病率密切相关。     

Growth performance of Bangladeshi affluent school children (5–14 years)

A cross sectional anthropometric survey of 2045 healthy children (5–14 years) of affluent society of Dhaka City was done with the aim to compare their growth with the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) standard. It was found that both weight and height of boys and girls of the studied children fall between 25th to 50th percentile of NCHS standard. In case of boys, body weight deviates below 25th percentile after 12 years whereas mean height is nearly parallel to 50th percentile upto 14 years. In case of girls, the pattern of growth is same except the fall below 25th percentile at the age of 8 and 9 years and the height remains above 25th percentile upto 12 years. It can be concluded that mean growth of affluent Bangladeshi school children is comparable to NCHS standard with minor variations.     

Blood pressure response to dynamic exercise in adolescents before and after percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty

The blood pressure response to maximal bicycle exercise was studied using the James protocol in two adolescents with renal artery stenosis before and after percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty. Prior to angioplasty, one patient (pt A) had persistent and one patient (pt B) had labile elevation of the resting blood pressure above the 95th percentile for age; both patients had elevated systolic blood pressure at maximal exercise (pt A: 215 mm Hg; James expected 170 +/- 20; pt B: 228 mm Hg; James expected 156 +/- 15). Following angioplasty, both patients had resting blood pressures below the 95th percentile for age; patient A had improved systolic pressure at maximal exercise (195 mm Hg) while patient B had persistent elevation in the exercise systolic blood pressure (215 mm Hg). Angiography confirmed the presence of residual/recurrent renal artery stenosis in patient B. We conclude that measurement of blood pressure during exercise may reveal residual abnormalities not apparent at rest and thus may be useful in assessing the result of renal artery angioplasty in children with renal artery stenosis.     

Longitudinal study of blood pressure during the 1st year of life

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate and weight were measured in 260 boys and 254 girls, from birth to 12 months of age. Mean±SD values of parameters studied and percentile curves are reported. Systolic and diastolic BP increase significantly during the first 6 months of life and are poorly correlated with weight. In the 1st month of life the diastolic BP values are lower than those reported by others.     

深圳16 887例胎龄27~42周单胎新生儿考普指数研究

目的 考普指数（Kaup index,KI）用于评估新生儿身体充实度和营养状况。该研究旨在调查胎龄27~42周新生儿出生时的KI值,制定其百分位曲线。方法 采用横断面时间段整群抽样实况调查方法,于2013年4月至2015年9月在深圳市两家医院完成了16 887例胎龄27~42周单胎新生儿体重、身长的现场测量,用以计算KI值,并制定不同胎龄新生儿的KI百分位曲线。结果 获得了胎龄27~42周单胎新生儿男、女、性别混合三分组KI均数和标准差,并制定了其3rd~97th百分位曲线。胎龄27周者KI的50th曲线值最低,随着胎龄增加KI值不断增大;各胎龄组男性KI的50th曲线值高于女性。各胎龄组（除胎龄33周外）男性KI的均数高于女性,其中胎龄34周及36~40周KI均数男性与女性间的差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。结论 新生儿出生时KI值随胎龄增加而增大,提示随胎龄增加人体密度和充实度不断提高;男性新生儿出生时身体充实度好于女性。该研究制定的胎龄27~42周单胎新生儿男、女、性别混合三分组KI百分位曲线可为深圳新生儿出生时身体充实度和营养状况的评估提供参考。     

Blood pressure reference tables for children and adolescents of Karnataka

BACKGROUND: The blood pressure levels may vary in population because of genetic, ethnic and socio economic factors. Local reference values have to be established to understand the blood pressure variable. METHODS: Blood pressure data of 2278 boys and 2930 girls in the age group of 3-18 years were analysed to study the distribution pattern of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and to develop reference values to define hypertension. Blood pressure was measured using standardised techniques in all. The first and fifth phases of Korotkoff sounds were taken as indicative of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure respectively. Height percentiles were computed for each one year age group. According to percentiles of height 50th, 90th, 95th and 99th percentiles of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were estimated for every one year age. RESULTS: The blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) tends to increase with age. The stepwise regression analysis revealed that the age and height but not gender, are important determinants of blood pressure. Age and height specific, 50th, 90th and 95th and 99th percentiles of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were derived and are presented in tabular form. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure of children and adolescents can be evaluated using the reference table according to body size. The table provided helps to classify blood pressure as normal or pre hypertension and to define different stages of hypertension.     

Distribution curve of waist-to-height ratio and its association with blood pressure among children and adolescents: study in a large population in an eastern coastal province,China

Several studies have suggested that waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is an accurate and easier index for evaluating abdominal obesity in both children and adults. The present study examined the distribution of WHtR and its association with blood pressure (BP) levels among children and adolescents in a large population in Shandong, China. A total of 38,810 students (19,453 boys and 19,357 girls) aged 7–17 years participated in this study. Height, waist circumference (WC), and BP of all subjects were measured, and WHtR was calculated. Abdominal obesity was defined as WHtR ≥0.5; high BP status was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥95th percentile for age and gender. Overall, 16.45 % (95%CI: 15.93–16.97) and 7.80 % (95%CI: 7.42–8.17) of boys and girls had a WHtR ≥0.5. WHtR was positively correlated with SBP and DBP in both boys and girls. The mean values of SBP and DBP for both boys and girls were all significantly higher in the WHtR ≥0.5 group than in the WHtR<0.5 group. Z-scores of BP and the prevalence of high BP increased with WHtR. The prevalence of high BP increased from 10.61 (boys) and 9.64 % (girls) in the WHtR <0.34 group to 55.11 (boys) and 51.97 % (girls) in the WHtR ≥0.58 group, an increase of 4.2- and 4.4-times. We conclude that children and adolescents with high WHtR might have an increased risk of elevated BP. These findings highlight the importance of the prevention of abdominal obesity in order to prevent future-related problems such as hypertension in children and adolescents.     

Response of hypertensive adolescents to dynamic and isometric exercise stress.

Isometric handgrip and dynamic exercise stress tests were performed on 109 hypertensive and 74 normotensive subjects 14 to 17 years old. The hypertensive subjects had resting systolic or diastolic pressures persistently above the 95th percentile on four consecutive examinations. Blood pressures and ECGs were recorded during isometric handgrip (25% maximum effort for four minutes) and bicycle ergometry until the subject was exhausted. The hypertensive subjects increased systolic pressure by an average 16 mm Hg with isometric exercise and 53 mm Hg with dynamic exercise. Control subjects had similar pressure changes, averaging 18 and 54 mm Hg, respectively. During isometric handgrip stress, diastolic pressures increased 12 mm Hg in hypertensive subjects and 18 mm Hg in control subjects. Only two hypertensive adolescents developed systolic pressures exceeding 200 mm Hg during dynamic exercise stress, and none developed systolic pressures above 200 mm Hg during isometric exercise stress. None of the normotensive or hypertensive subjects developed cardiac arrhythmias and the prevalence of ST segment depression during maximal stress was less than 2% in both groups. Therefore, in adolescents with mild to moderate hypertension the risk of developing significant ECG or hemodynamic abnormalities during mild isometric or heavy dynamic exercise is small. We believe the decision to restrict physical activity of an adolescent with elevated pressures should be based on the development of abnormal ST segment depression, cardiac arrhythmias, or excessive blood pressures at the time of exercise stress testing.     

Distribution of skinfold thickness and blood pressure among children and adolescents in Shandong, China

This article reported the distribution of skinfold thickness (SFT) and blood pressure (BP) among children and adolescents in Shandong, China. A total of 8568 students (4333 boys and 4235 girls) aged 7-18 years participated in this study. Triceps and subscapular SFT and BP of all subjects were measured, the sum of Triceps and subscapular SFT (SSFT) was used as an indicator of the overall SFT. The overall prevalence of relative high BP was 24.07% for boys and 22.36% for girls. The prevalence of relative high BP was increasing with SSFT percentiles, this trend was obvious especially in upper percentiles of SSFT. The prevalence of relative high BP increased from 13.27% (boys) and 13.33% (girls) in <5th SSFT percentile group to 55.50% (boys) and 48.17% (girls) in ≥95th SSFT percentile group, which increased by 3.2 and 2.6 times. There is a higher level of SSFT and higher prevalence of relative high BP among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.     

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in adults is proving to be useful. The aim of this study was to determine if ABPM is accurate in the lower blood pressure range encountered in children and, equally important, whether it is acceptable to children. Thirty one children, between the ages of 6 and 18 years, were assessed using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor that uses an auscultatory method. Blood pressure was measured in the contralateral arm with a mercury sphygmomanometer and an oscillometric device at the beginning and end of the study for comparison. Over a blood pressure range of 90-130 mm Hg systolic and 40-80 mm Hg diastolic, a close agreement was found with the sphygmomanometer; the limits of agreement (+/- 2 SD) were 11.6 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and 13.6 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. The bias was less than 1.0 mm Hg. The ambulatory device was worn by all patients for at least 16 hours with an average of 52 recordings per patient. The majority found the device comfortable to wear and were not woken from sleep.