Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart

What is the normal blood pressure range for children and adolescents?

Knowing that normal blood pressure (BP) values in children differ from those in adults is essential. Children’s bodies are constantly growing and developing, affecting their blood pressure readings.

Children’s normal blood pressure range is based on age, height, and sex. As children age and become taller, their blood pressure levels typically increase. Therefore, maintaining a healthy blood pressure range in children is important as it varies based on these factors.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the normal range for children aged 1 to 13 is defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings below the 90th percentile for their age, height, and sex (Riley et al., 2018). Meanwhile, the AAP’s Clinical Practice Guideline states that normal BP values for adolescents aged 13 to 18 are a systolic reading of less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading of less than 80 mmHg (Flynn et al., 2017).

Blood pressure measurement can vary due to factors like stress, physical activity, and the environment where the reading is taken. Therefore, multiple readings may be necessary to establish a child’s typical blood pressure range.

Blood pressure levels not managed well can lead to hypertension or elevated BP, which can also affect children and adolescents, which is a significant health concern as it can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, stroke, etc. According to the AAP, hypertension in children and adolescents is defined as BP readings greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for the child’s age, height, and sex on three or more occasions (Flynn et al., 2017).

Various factors, including having a low birth weight, obesity, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, endocrine disorders, or underlying heart conditions, can cause elevated blood pressure in children, leading to probable secondary hypertension and symptomatic hypertension. Other risk factors include family history and sleep apnea. In some cases, the cause may be unknown, referred to as primary or essential hypertension.

Early detection and management of hypertension in these younger age groups are crucial for preventing potential long-term health complications.

What is a Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart?

A Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart is a resource that healthcare providers can use to determine whether their young patient's blood pressure is within the normal range for their age, height, and gender. Furthermore, it can help them assess whether their patient's blood pressure is healthy or if they're at risk of developing hypertension.

A blood pressure chart for pediatrics typically includes a column for age and height percentiles, systolic and diastolic values, and percentile ranges. The chart may also include an interpretation guide with hypertension categories for ease of evaluation and interpretation.

How does our Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart work?

Using the Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart is straightforward. Follow these steps for an effective assessment:

Step 1: Download our printable Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart

Start by getting our easy-to-use and printable chart designed for tracking a child's blood pressure. Click "Use template" to utilize the resource via the Carepatron app. For a PDF copy, choose "Download."

Step 2: Explain how the chart works

Show the patient or their parents or guardians how the chart works. Then, explain why it's essential for monitoring cardiovascular health.

Step 3: Measure and record the child's blood pressure

Use a blood pressure monitor to measure the child's blood pressure. Follow standard procedures in BP measurement and gathering other pediatric vital signs.

Step 4: Compare the reading against the chart

Check the Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart to compare the readings. It's age—and sex-specific and shows normal blood pressure ranges for children. This step helps assess the child's blood pressure quickly. Use the template's "Findings" and "Additional notes" sections to document your young patient's results and your remarks.

Step 5: Discuss the results with the patient or their parents

Talk openly with the child's parents or guardians about the results. Explain the significance of the blood pressure reading, answer any questions, and explore potential lifestyle adjustments or further evaluation together. This clear communication ensures a full understanding of the child's cardiovascular well-being.

Benefits of having a Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart

There are numerous benefits to having a Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart and utilizing it. Here are some of them:

• Accurate diagnosis: With the Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart, you can more accurately diagnose high BP in children since now you can consider their age, sex, and height, all of which are crucial factors when measuring a child's blood pressure.
• Early detection leading to early intervention and prevention strategies: Once you identify hypertension with the help of the chart, you can intervene immediately and come up with strategies that can prevent long-term health complications.
• Monitoring and management: This chart can help monitor a patient's blood pressure over time, tracking trends and adjusting treatment plans if necessary. Furthermore, with a standardized chart, there's consistency in the measurement and interpretation, improving the quality of decisions being made while diagnosing or changing strategies.
• Educational tool: The Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart can serve as an educational resource for parents and caregivers, not just healthcare providers. It can help them understand the importance of regular blood pressure checks as well as the potential health risks that are often associated with hypertension.

References

Flynn, J. T., Kaelber, D. C., Baker-Smith, C. M., Blowey, D., Carroll, A. E., Daniels, S. R., de Ferranti, S. D., Dionne, J. M., Falkner, B., Flinn, S. K., Gidding, S. S., Goodwin, C., Leu, M. G., Powers, M. E., Rea, C., Samuels, J., Simasek, M., Thaker, V. V., Urbina, E. M., & Subcommittee on Screening and Management of High Blood Pressure in Children (2017). Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 140(3), e20171904. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-1904

Riley, M., Hernandez, A. K., & Kuznia, A. L. (2018). High blood pressure in children and adolescents. American Family Physician, 98(8), 486–494. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1015/p486.html

National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents (2004). The fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 114(2 Suppl 4th Report), 555–576. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15286277/