Blood Pressure Percentiles for the Children Between 11-17 Years of Age in Kayseri

Abstract

Objective: There is limited data about the blood pressure percentiles in children and adolescents in different parts of Turkey. In this study, we aimed to determine accurate charts of blood pressure percentiles for, children between 11 to 17 years. Material and Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted in 2 urban and 10 subrural areas that were randomized in order to represent 11 to 17 year olds. The study included students (n= 2.592; 1.336 girls, 1.256 boys) from 35 primary schools and high schools. Blood pressure was measured in each participant and the measurements were used to calculate the blood pressure percentiles for each age and gender. Results: The mean systolic blood pressures in boys between the ages 11 to 17 were, 113.6, 110.9, 113.8, 115.0, 115.5, 115.3 and 114.6 mmHg respectively. The mean systolic blood pressure in girls between the ages 11 to 17 were 111.7, 111.4, 112.9, 110.9, 111.8, 112.3 and 111.5 mmHg respectively. The mean diastolic blood pressure in boys between the ages 11 to 17 were 71.5, 70.2, 71.1, 71.4, 72.1, 72.6 and 72.5 mmHg respectively and the corresponding values for girls were 69.9, 69.6, 71.2, 71.2, 71.2, 71.9, and 72.5 mmHg. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurements in girls and boys at any age (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Nationwide studies of more children and adolescents are needed to extend the age spectrum in order to represent a wider cross-section of the Turkish population.