Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children and adolescents

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was recorded in 396 children and adolescents (5 to 18 years old) with an auscultatory device (Suntech, Accutracker II). ABPM was recorded during daytime at 20 minute intervals and during nightime at 45 minute intervals. Asleep blood pressures were calculated according to each subject record. All subjects had their blood pressure measured at the clinic 3 times and the average was considered for comparisons. Asleep blood pressures and heart rates decreased in all subjects: systolic BP 13 ± 0.6%, diastolic BP 19 ± 0.7% and heart rate 18 ± 0.7%. ABPM 50th Percentile for age was higher than Task Force 50th P up to 16 years old in both sexes. ABPM 95th percentiles for height were: females 110–129 cm: 113/68 mm Hg; 130–149 cm: 125/75 mm Hg; 150–170 cm: 137/78 mm Hg. Males 110–129 cm: 123/71 mm Hg, 130–149 cm: 119/68 mm Hg, 150–170 cm: 137/74 mm Hg and >171 cm: 133/78 mm Hg. White coat phenomenon was observed starting at 11 year old in females and 13 year old in males.