Adolescent blood pressure in Richmond, Virginia, schools.

The blood pressure of 3,166 adolescents was measured periodically in Richmond during the period 1974-1977. The subjects were students in public and private schools and ranged in age from 14 to 18 years. Analysis of the readings showed minimal differences relating to age, sex, school and race but a strong correlation with obesity. Only two organic renal causes of hypertension were discovered. A 3 1/2-year followup of 902 students indicated significant tracking, with a correlation coefficient of .385 for systolic and .305 for diastolic pressure. At the conclusion of the study, 340 students (10.7%) were identified as needing followup for hypertension.