Pediatric Hypertension

Pediatrics for Parents, March, 2001 by John E. Monaco

Hypertension has long been called the "silent killer." The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chances of preventing the adverse consequences. To insure early diagnosis, children should have their blood pressures checked. But to be accurate it must be done properly.

The most common mistake in taking a child's blood pressure is using the wrong sized cuff. A cuff that's too small will result in a falsely elevated reading -- sometimes by 25-30 millimeters of Mercury. (This applies to adults also.)

A properly sized cuff should cover the entire arm. It's width should be two-thirds of the length of the upper arm. It's better to use a cuff that's slightly too large than one that's too small.

Another important factor is to have the child laying or sitting when the measurement is taken. The child's arm should be at the same height as the child's heart. If the child's arm is dangling, the reading may be artificially elevated.

Other factors that can artificially elevate a reading include agitation or crying, and stress or anxiety.

If you child has one elevated blood pressure reading, don't panic. Repeat measurements are important. Make sure the measurements are accurate and done properly.

Family Practice News, 5/15/00, p.54.