Children’s Arterial Blood Pressure Percentile Curves

Background-One of the most important tools for the evaluation of childrenʹs health is determining the systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP), which is affected by weight, gender, stature, and environmental conditions. The variation of children’s SABP is between the 5th and 95th percentile curves. Due to environmental conditions, some criteria may be different in other countries. Methods- We measured the SABP of 1000 7-12-year-old students who were selected randomly. The SABP percentile curves are plotted on the basis of weight, stature, and sex; and they will of course be affected by environmental conditions. Results-The results show that the most abundant systolic SABP was 100 mmHg (27%) and the least abundant was 75 mmHg (1%). For diastolic SABP, the highest and lowest prevalences were 65 mmHg (28.2%) and 45 mmHg (0.1%), respectively. The correlation between age (p<0.01), weight, stature, and sex (p<0.005) and the SABP of the children was determined: SABP increased with an increase in age, weight, and stature. In addition, SABP in girls was higher than that in boys in the same situation. Conclusion-In light of our results, it is necessary that children be protected against cardiovascular diseases by laying emphasis on suitable nutrition and exercise in school curriculum (Iranian Heart Journal 2006; 7 (4): 52-56).