Measurements obtained by marking the position of child's head from heels while recumbent and measuring the distance, or using height measuring rods that are attached to weight scales tend to be inaccurate . Use balance beam or electronic scales. The infant or child should wear only a dry diaper or light undergarment while being weighed to ensure consistency for each subsequent measurement. Place bell of stethoscope lightly on antecubital fossa over brachial artery. The prevalence of overweight children is increasing and has been associated with the development of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood.
Evidence supports the concept that the roots of essential hypertension extends back to childhood.
Body size is the most important determinant of blood pressure in children. National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on Hypertension Control in Children and Adolescents. A Working Group Report for the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. U. S. Public Health Service. International Medical Publishing.