Cardiovascular disease risk factor variables at the preschool age. The Bogalusa heart study.

As part of a study to describe the early natural history of atherosclerosis, 714 children, 2'/2 to 51/2 years of age, were examined. Height, weight, triceps skinfold, blood pressure, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and a complete physical examination were obtained on each child. Black children were both taller and heavier than white children, but triceps skinfolds were greater for whites. Mean blood pressure readings obtained on each of three instruments showed different levels of blood pressure. The Infrasonde gave the lowest readings while the Baumanometer gave the highest, and an age gradient was observed only for the Infrasonde. Multiple regression analysis indicated that 12% to 22% of the variability of blood pressure