Methods for assessment of arterial pressure levels in 7-11 year old boys.

In 1016 boys of 7-11 years of age, practically healthy, the maximal and minimal arterial pressure values were recorded, and the normal limits were calculated with the aid of the percentile method. By multiple regression analysis the correlations were investigated between the arterial pressure level on the one hand and the proband's age, height, body mass, and the mass-height index on the other hand. Of the factors influencing the arterial pressure level, the main role is played by the height and mass-height index; the effect of age is a minor one. An analysis of partial correlations showed that in boys of equal height and body mass values the age had only a very slight effect on the arterial pressure level. For each age category the regression coefficients were calculated for determination of the arterial pressure level corresponding to the boys' height and body mass. The effects of these factors, however, vary among age categories.