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Blood pressure determinations in Israeli schoolchildren aged 5 to 14 years
Z Zadik1, D Sthoeger, Y Blachar
1Department of Pediatrics A, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences
|July 1, 1987
Summary
This study found no significant differences in blood pressure (BP) among Israeli schoolchildren by ethnicity or sex. Researchers question the cost-effectiveness of routine BP screening in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Blood pressure (BP) screening in children is a common public health measure.
- Understanding BP variations across different demographics is crucial for effective screening protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal blood pressure ranges in healthy Israeli schoolchildren.
- To assess the influence of ethnicity and sex on BP measurements.
- To evaluate the necessity and cost-effectiveness of pediatric BP screening.
Main Methods:
- Physician BP measurements in 1,554 healthy Israeli schoolchildren (ages 5-14).
- Categorization of subjects by ethnic origin (Yemenite, North African, Iraqi-Iranian, European-American) and sex.
- Comparison of findings with US Task Force data and analysis of high BP prevalence in an additional 4,460 children.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) BP were observed between ethnic groups or sexes.
- Israeli children's SBP and DBP were generally lower than those of American children.
- A low prevalence of elevated BP (0.6% for DBP, 1.0% for SBP) above the 97th percentile was noted, with no children exhibiting severe hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Routine blood pressure screening in children may not be cost-effective given the low prevalence of significant hypertension.
- Further research may be needed to establish age- and ethnicity-specific BP norms for children.
- The study suggests a re-evaluation of current pediatric BP screening guidelines.