Blood pressure nomograms for children and adolescents in Turkey

In order to obtain data on blood pressure (BP) distribution in Turkish chil dren, a total of 5,599 Turkish children from birth to 18 years were studied . BP rises with age, and both systolic and diastolic BP showed a positive c orrelation with height and weight in both sexes. As the sampling was repres entative of Turkish children at different ages, the mean systolic and diast olic BP levels were compared fur each age with the results reported in the study of the Second Task Force. The mean systolic and diastolic BP of Turki sh children and the increase with growth and development were different fro m the Second Task Force study. Genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors w ere suggested to be responsible for this variation. In conclusion, normal B P curves should be applied with caution in childhood, and every population should use their own normal standards to define a measured BP level in chil dren.