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Blood pressure nomograms for children and adolescents in Turkey
N Tümer1, F Yalçinkaya, E Ince
1Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
Insights
Blood pressure (BP) in Turkish children differs from international standards. Establishing population-specific normal BP curves is crucial for accurate childhood hypertension diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Accurate blood pressure (BP) reference ranges are essential for diagnosing hypertension in children.
- Existing international BP guidelines may not accurately reflect diverse pediatric populations.
- Understanding national BP distributions is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative blood pressure (BP) distribution data for Turkish children aged 0–18 years.
- To compare Turkish pediatric BP data with established international standards (Second Task Force).
- To investigate the relationship between BP, age, height, and weight in Turkish children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 5,599 Turkish children from birth to 18 years.
- Systematic measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP).
- Statistical analysis to determine BP percentiles and correlations with anthropometric data.
Main Results:
- Blood pressure (BP) demonstrated a positive correlation with age, height, and weight in both sexes.
- Mean systolic and diastolic BP levels in Turkish children differed significantly from Second Task Force data.
- The observed variations suggest the influence of genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Standard international blood pressure (BP) curves should be used with caution in Turkish children.
- Developing and utilizing population-specific normal BP standards is critical for accurate diagnosis in pediatric populations.
- This study provides essential data for creating tailored BP guidelines for Turkish children.
Abstract:
In order to obtain data on blood pressure (BP) distribution in Turkish children, a total of 5,599 Turkish children from birth to 18 years were studied. BP rises with age, and both systolic and diastolic BP showed a positive correlation with height and weight in both sexes. As the sampling was representative of Turkish children at different ages, the mean systolic and diastolic BP levels were compared for each age with the results reported in the study of the Second Task Force. The mean systolic and diastolic BP of Turkish children and the increase with growth and development were different from the Second Task Force study. Genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors were suggested to be responsible for this variation. In conclusion, normal BP curves should be applied with caution in childhood, and every population should use their own normal standards to define a measured BP level in children.