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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Distribution of blood pressure in children and adolescents
Abstract:
Casual blood pressures were evaluated in 13 475 children and adolescents of elementary and secondary schools in the district of Prague 4. Measurements in an unselected children population determined mean systolic and diastolic pressures and standard deviations in different age groups. Children with elevated blood pressure were selected according to arbitrarily chosen criteria. Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg (17.3/10.6 kPa) occurred in 0.6% of children aged 6-10 years, greater than 135/80 mmHg (17.9/10 kPa) in 2.0% of children aged between 11-15 years, and greater than 145/85 mmHg (19.2/11.3 kPa) in 0.4% of adolescents under 19 years.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Pressure
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...
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
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.
Blood Pressure

