Hypertension in children is diagnosed after how many readings above the 95th percentile?

Hypertension in children is diagnosed after how many readings above the 95th percentile?

• A. 1 reading
• B. 2 readings
• C. 3+ readings
• D. 4+ readings

Answer: (C)

Blood pressure in children is diagnosed only after persistent elevations across multiple visits. Kids’ BP can vary with activity, stress, caffeine, and the way the measurement is taken, so a single high reading isn’t enough to label hypertension. The standard approach is to confirm elevated blood pressure—above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height—on three separate occasions. This makes sure the result reflects true, sustained hypertension rather than a temporary spike. If the readings are at or above the 99th percentile on three occasions, that indicates a more severe level. So the best answer is three or more readings.

Blood pressure in children is diagnosed only after persistent elevations across multiple visits. Kids’ BP can vary with activity, stress, caffeine, and the way the measurement is taken, so a single high reading isn’t enough to label hypertension. The standard approach is to confirm elevated blood pressure—above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height—on three separate occasions. This makes sure the result reflects true, sustained hypertension rather than a temporary spike. If the readings are at or above the 99th percentile on three occasions, that indicates a more severe level. So the best answer is three or more readings.