Influence of cuff size on blood pressure among schoolchildren

In 236 schoolchildren aged 7-15 years arm blood pressure was measured using a semiautomatic technique. Three different cuffs were chosen among four cu ffs with bladder sizes of either 6 x 20 cm, 9 x 27 cm, 12 x 35 cm or 15 x 4 3 cm. Ideal cuff size in each pupil was defined as the one in which the wid th of the bladder was closest to 40% of arm circumference. In all subjects ideal cuffs were tested along with two cuffs bigger or smaller than the ide al one. The study showed that "normal blood pressure" in relation to age de pended on the cuff used. Using the ideal one, systolic blood pressure incre ased from 105 mmHg at 7 years of age to 117-119 mmHg at age Il, with no fur ther increase at higher ages, while diastolic blood pressure was almost unc hanged in the different age groups. Normal blood pressure curves constructe d using the same cuff in all children showed a steeper increase in both sys tolic and diastolic blood pressure in relation to age compared to the curve based on the ideal cuff in all children. It is strongly recommended that f uture studies should take the best-suited cuff problem into consideration w hen planning studies among children. Some of the differences between previo us published studies may be explained by the differences introduced by diff erent cuff sizes.