The Minneapolis children's blood pressure study. Part 1: standards of measurement for children's blood pressure.
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TL;DR
Among 9977 public school children 6 to 9 years of age who were screened in late winter and spring of 1978 in Minnesota, statistically significant effects of individual observers, room temperature, time of day, and season were found after adjusting for multiple variables.
Abstract
Among 9977 public school children 6 to 9 years of age who were screened in late winter and spring of 1978 in Minnesota, statistically significant effects of individual observers, room temperature, time of day, and season were found after adjusting for multiple variables.Systolic blood pressure (SBP) for all children was lower with warmer temperatures in the examination room, whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was directly related to the room temperature, after adjustment for other factors significantly affecting the variability of blood pressure.Morning measurements were also lower than afternoon measurements for SBP but showed little difference for DBP.Problems of standardization for establishing blood pressure (BP) norms for children are discussed.(Hypertension 2 (suppl I): 1-18-1-24, 1980) KEY WORDS • blood pressure * children • measurement error A SURVEY of elementary school children from the Minneapolis Public School System was conducted in 1978 to examine environmental and familial correlates of childhood blood pressure (BP).The cross-sectional data relating BP distribution and conditions of measurement are presented here.The aim is to report methodologic determinants of young school children's BP measurements and to consider standard methods for clinical measurement and the generation of tables of "normal" BP for children. Methods Selection of PopulationIn the fall of 1977, all 52 elementary school principals in the Minneapolis Public School System agreed to a request for BP screening to be carried out in their schools.This was achieved after conferences with the central education and health administration of the system and individually with school principals.Screening of all children in grades 1, 2, and 3 was carried out during late January through April, 1978.Consent for screening was obtained from both parents and children.