ABSTRACT
Background: The measurement of blood pressure is an important component of routine Pediatric physical examination. Children with higher levels of blood pressure tend to maintain higher blood pressure levels in adulthood in comparison to their peer group. The aims and objectives of this study were to define the normal pattern of blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension in urban school children between the age group of 5-15 years and to evaluate relationship of blood pressure with variables such as age, sex, height, weight and BMI in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted from July 2016 to December 2018 in Department of Pediatrics, KIMS Amalapuram.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension in the present study was 3.2%. Of these 16 children 11 were males amounting to 4.41% of total number of males and 5 were females amounting to 1.99% of total number of females. The prevalence of hypertension was more in the males. It was observed that there is not much increase in mean blood pressure up to 130 cms (both in males and females) and increased significantly and gradually in children above 130 cms of height. Blood pressure increases gradually and in a proportionate manner with increase in weight and BMI.Conclusions: Blood pressure is an important vital sign which reflects the integrity of the cardiovascular system, renal, endocrinal system and other systems in the body. Blood pressure of an individual varies with age, sex, height, weight and BMI. It also has a strong correlation with family history of hypertension. Thus, concluded that hypertension has its roots in childhood and early adolescence.