THE BLOOD PRESSURE IN BOYS AND GIRLS BEFORE AND AFTER PUBERTY: ITS RELATION TO GROWTH AND TO MATURITY

THE PURPOSE AND NATURE OF THE STUDY In recent years a great number of studies of blood pressure have appeared. For the most part, these studies have attempted to standardize the technic of measurement and to establish the value of blood pressure measurements for purposes of clinical diagnosis. Comparatively few studies have considered the arterial system in its relation to physical growth and physiologic maturity. The need for and practical value of such investigations have been, nevertheless, long recognized. As early as 1910, McCurdy1wrote as follows: Surgeons during operations and physicians during illness are using blood pressure as an indication of physical condition. Normal standards of organic efficiency are needed for the growing child, for the guidance of physicians in the treatment of disease, and also for the use of those who direct the physical and intellectual activities of normal children. We need accurate information concerning the changes