Children’s Blood Pressure

Hypertension often begins in childhood, andcan carry on into adulthood. Education, anticipatory guidance, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective therapy may improve long-term outcomes of children and adolescents affected by this "silent killer". Measuring blood pressure in children is not only a science, but also an art. What’s the technique? The quality of blood pressure monitoring also depends on correct technique and sufficient Pat’s Pressure Pat, 5, presented to his GP with a history of occasional headaches. Taken with the standard blood pressure cuff, his blood pressure was 110/60 mmHg. Pat’s mother insisted he be referred to a pediatric nephrologist for a second opinion. Using an appropriate sized cuff, his blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg. Is Pat hypertensive? For more, go to page 105