[Blood pressures in children and adolescents. An epidemiological study on 6 391 school children in a French circumscription (author's tranls)]. / Les pressions artérielles de l'enfant et de l'adolescent. Une étude épidémiologique en milieu scolaire en Seine Saint-Denis, sur 6 391 sujets.

Distribution characteristics of blood pressure (BP) by age and sex were studied in a school population of 6 391 children aged 6-18 years. BP distributions were according to a Gaussian curve tending towards the higher values. Mean BP increased with age according to linear curve. Systolic BP (SBP) was higher in boys from 14 and diastolic BP (DBP) after 16. An over all prevalence of 3,1 % systolic and 2,2 % diastolic hypertension (BP greater than or equal to 2 DS) was detected. Subjects with hypertension must be annually examined ; only those with BP greater than or equal to 3 DS must be completely investigated for etiological purpose. SBP and DBP were strongly connected. Scales give opportunity to BP follow-up during growth and promise a better understanding of early hypertension.