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Optimizing Pediatric Blood Pressure Readings: The Role of Timing and Medical Personnel Presence: A cross-sectional

Hamidreza Badeli1, Yasin Khoshhal Dahka1, Mir Iman Fallahchai1

  • 1Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Kidney Diseases
|June 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Accurate pediatric blood pressure (BP) measurement may require shorter intervals, like 30 seconds. Medical personnel presence elevates BP readings in children, emphasizing the need for stress reduction during assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Hypertension is a global health concern linked to cardiovascular diseases.
  • Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is crucial for diagnosing hypertension.
  • Current guidelines for BP measurement intervals lack consensus for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of measurement timing on pediatric BP readings.
  • To assess the effect of medical personnel presence on pediatric BP measurements.
  • To determine optimal BP measurement protocols for children.

Main Methods:

  • An analytical cross-sectional study involving 50 children aged 5-13 years.
  • BP measured using an automatic device at 5 intervals (0-120 seconds).
  • BP recorded with and without medical personnel present; data analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • Systolic BP (SBP) significantly decreased over time (P=.000).
  • No significant changes observed in diastolic BP (DBP) or pulse pressure (PP).
  • Both SBP and DBP were significantly higher when medical personnel were present (P=.009, P=.010).

Conclusions:

  • Shorter intervals (e.g., 30 seconds) may suffice for reliable pediatric BP measurement.
  • Medical personnel presence increases BP readings in children, likely due to anxiety.
  • Reducing stress during pediatric BP assessments is vital for accurate hypertension diagnosis.
Abstract

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