[Variation in blood pressure values in a pediatric population assigned to a primary care team by applying a correction factor according to brachial perimeter].
OBJECTIVE
To quantitative changes in blood pressure values and in hypertension diagnosis after applying a correction factor (CF) according to brachial perimeter.


METHODS
A sample of 164 male and female children, aged 11-14 years from a population attended at our Health Institution was studied. Blood pressure and brachial perimeter at the right arm were determined in all children and the CF was applied according to brachial perimeter.


RESULTS
Mean brachial perimeter was 23.8 cm, with a higher value in males (p < 0.05); a significant increase in blood pressure values was observed both for the overall sample and for both sexes taken separately; prevalence of hypertension increased significantly after correction of sample and for males, not for females.


CONCLUSIONS
For an appropriate blood pressure measurement it is essential to correctly fit the cuff bladder size to the brachial perimeter; when it is not possible the CF should be applied.
Turiel Lobo
P
P
Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud El Cristo, Oviedo.
Cabal García
A
A
González Pérez
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000295:instrumentation; D002648:Child; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male
Variación de las cifras de tensión arterial en una población infantil adscrita a un equipo de atención primaria al aplicar el factor de corrección según el perímetro braquial.