Development and validation of a pediatric transfer function for deriving central aortic blood pressure from radial artery tonometry in children

Blood pressure in the main artery that leaves the heart more closely predicts risk of developing heart disease than blood pressure measured in the arm. In adults, it is possible to calculate this "central" blood pressure using a mathematical formula based on the blood pressure in the arm and the shape of the pulse. In children, there is no such formula.

We aim to develop and validate such a formula, which will be able to be used clinically to calculate the central blood pressure in children.

This will enable health practitioners, including family GPs, to screen for high central blood pressure in children for the first time. It will also be a unique tool for research, enabling studies that aim to determine early life risk factors for high blood pressure, and to test the efficacy of age appropriate prevention strategies.