Abstract
Because of the paucity of data on normal B.P. values in black children, we have studied 1668 asymptomatic black children (827 boys and 841 girls) ranging in age from 4-17 years. These were determined by auscultation using appropriate sized cuffs, mercury manometers and pediatric size Littman stethescopes. All B.Ps. were obtained under office conditions in the supine position. Apprehensive, uncooperative, crying or obviously excited children were excluded.
The mean systolic B.P. ranged from 99 mm Hg (S.D. 12 mm Hg) In 4 year old boys to 115 mm Hg (S.D. 11 mm Hg) inl6 year olds while mean diastolic pressure ranged from 59 mm Hg (S.D. 12 mm Hg)to 71 mm Hg (S.D. 10 mm Hg). In girls, the mean systolic B.F. ranged from 100 mm Hg (S.D. 13 mm Hg) in 4 year olds to 114 mm Hg (S.D. 11 mm Hg) in 14 year olds; and the mean diastolic pressure ranged from 62 mm Hg (S.D. 12 mm Hg) in 4 year olds to 70 mm Hg (S.D. 8 mm Hg) in 15 year olds.
A significant positive correlation was noted between systolic and diastolic pressures and weight (but not height) in both sexes. Maximum systolic and diastolic pressures were higher in our group of patients than have been previously reported in white children of similar ages. Longitudinal follow up studies of these children based on these data will relate these findings to the development of cardiovascular, renal and other diseases among the black population.
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Dube, S., Kapoor, S., Ratner, H. et al. BLOOD PRESSURE STUDIES IN BLACK CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 8, 348 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00051
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00051