Why do we need accurate blood pressure readings?
The level of blood pressure in childhood is the strongest predictor of adult blood pressure level (Lauer & Clarke,1989; Berenson et al, 1991; Gillman et al, 1993)
Hypertension increases two to three times an individual’s risk of CV morbidity (Kannel WB, 1996; Klag et al, 1996)
The relationship between hypertension and CV disease seems to be continuous, CV risk depends on BP, coexistent risk factors and whether there is hypertensive end-organ damage