Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children
09:45

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children

Published on: April 29, 2013

The frequency of blood pressure measurements in children in four EDs

M A Silverman1, A R Walker, D D Nicolaou

  • 1St Agnes Healthcare, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21229, USA. msilver920@aol.com

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric emergency departments infrequently measure triage blood pressure (BP) in children, and even less often re-measure elevated BP. Triage BP measurement frequency varies by hospital and increases with patient age.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Elevated blood pressure (BP) in children is a growing concern.
  • Early identification and management of hypertension in pediatric populations are crucial.
  • Standardized protocols for BP measurement in emergency settings are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of triage blood pressure measurements in pediatric emergency departments.
  • To assess the recognition and follow-up of elevated blood pressure in children.
  • To analyze variations in BP measurement practices across different healthcare institutions and age groups.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 437 pediatric patients (1 month to 18 years).
  • Data collected from four emergency departments within a single medical school.
  • Analysis of triage BP measurement frequency, identification of elevated BP (above 90th percentile), and subsequent BP measurements.

Main Results:

  • Only 66% of pediatric patients had BP measured at triage.
  • 52% of those with measured BP had readings above the 90th percentile.
  • Only 38% of children with elevated triage BP had a second BP measurement recorded.
  • BP measurement frequency varied by institution and increased with age, with adolescents (93%) measured more often than younger children.

Conclusions:

  • Triage BP measurement and follow-up for elevated readings are inconsistent in pediatric emergency settings.
  • Significant variations exist in practice patterns across different hospital types and age groups.
  • Improved adherence to BP screening guidelines is needed to ensure timely identification of pediatric hypertension.

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Blood Pressure01:24

Blood Pressure

The movement of blood in a human body, commonly referred to as blood flow, is determined by the volume of blood that traverses a certain section of the bodily system per unit time. It is the rhythmic contraction of the heart's ventricles that primarily instigates this movement. As the ventricles contract, blood is forced into the prominent arteries, which then flow from areas of greater pressure to lower pressure areas. This movement continues into smaller arteries and arterioles and...
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement of Blood Pressure

Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites for measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)

This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure: