1. What is a Paediatric BP Percentile Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines a child's blood pressure percentile based on age, height, sex, and BP measurements.

Purpose: It helps healthcare providers assess whether a child's blood pressure is normal for their age, sex, and height.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses standard paediatric blood pressure tables from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines:

Key Factors:

• Age (1-17 years)
• Height (cm)
• Sex (male/female)
• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)

Explanation: The calculator compares the measured BP against normative data for children of the same age, sex, and height.

3. Importance of BP Percentile Calculation

Details: Identifying elevated BP in children helps with early detection of hypertension and prevention of long-term cardiovascular risks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the child's exact age (can include decimals for months), measured height without shoes, sex, and accurate BP measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered normal BP in children?
A: Normal is <90th percentile. Elevated is 90-95th, and hypertension is ≥95th percentile.

Q2: How many measurements are needed?
A: Diagnosis requires 3 separate measurements on different occasions.

Q3: Why does height matter in BP percentiles?
A: Taller children typically have higher normal BP ranges than shorter children of the same age.

Q4: What if my child is under 1 year?
A: This calculator is for ages 1-17 years. Consult your pediatrician for infants.

Q5: How often should children's BP be checked?
A: Annually for children over 3 years, or more frequently if risk factors exist.