Blood pressure during growth and development.

Data obtained from the United States Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1971-74 (HANES I) were analyzed to explore the relationship between blood pressure and differences in selected body measurements like weight, height, triceps skinfold, upper arm girth and heart rate. The period of growth and development was studied in a sample of 4238 persons aged 7-19 years. Strong concordance of the patterns of change in blood pressure up to age 14 years and of the patterns of correlations between blood pressure and various body measurements were seen in the four different groups analyzed (White males and females, Black males and females). From 14 years onwards differences in changes in several parameters were seen in both sexes and possibly also in the different racial groups.