[Variation in blood pressure values in a pediatric population assigned to a primary care team by applying a
P Turiel Lobo1, A Cabal García, C González Pérez
1Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud El Cristo, Oviedo.
Objective:
To quantitative changes in blood pressure values and in hypertension diagnosis after applying a correction factor (CF) according to brachial perimeter.
Materials And Methods:
A sample of 164 male and female children, aged 11-14 years from a population attended at our Health Institution was studied. Blood pressure and brachial perimeter at the right arm were determined in all children and the CF was applied according to brachial perimeter.
Results:
Mean brachial perimeter was 23.8 cm, with a higher value in males (p < 0.05); a significant increase in blood pressure values was observed both for the overall sample and for both sexes taken separately; prevalence of hypertension increased significantly after correction of sample and for males, not for females.
Conclusions:
For an appropriate blood pressure measurement it is essential to correctly fit the cuff bladder size to the brachial perimeter; when it is not possible the CF should be applied.
Related Concept Videos
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:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
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.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Measurement of Blood Pressure


