Pedia BP 2.0.1

Pedia BP is an innovative application designed to facilitate the detection of hypertension in children and adolescents.

The blood pressure measurement calculator is grounded in the guidelines established by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP, 2005) Working Group on Children and Adolescents. Importantly, the application provides calculations based on manual blood pressure measurements for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

In adolescents, a blood pressure reading equal to or exceeding 120/80 mmHg is classified as prehypertension, even if it remains below the 90th percentile. Recognizing and managing hypertension and pre-hypertension is crucial to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure, coronary heart disease (CHD), and sleep apnea. Evidence suggests that this issue is often under-recognized due to various factors, including limited provider knowledge regarding the American Heart Association (AHA) blood pressure recommendations and NHBPEP guidelines.

Another challenge in diagnosing hypertension in this population is the complexity of factors outlined by the NHBPEP guidelines. The blood pressure tables comprise 1,904 variables based on gender, age, and height percentile derived from CDC growth charts.

The application effectively streamlines existing tables from The Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents, which contain extensive data on normal and abnormal blood pressure values across various demographics. By synthesizing these tables into a simplified user interface, Pedia BP enables healthcare providers to quickly identify abnormal blood pressure values across different care or screening settings.

This screening tool supports providers in obtaining accurate, timely pediatric blood pressure evaluations and enhances decision-making regarding best practices for managing identified issues.