Cardiovascular System in Children

Apex Beat Location:

• Newborn – 2 years old: Apex beat is located in the 4th intercostal space (ICS), 1-2cm lateral to the midclavicular line (MCL).

• 2 – 7 years old: Apex beat is located in the 5th ICS, 1cm lateral to the left MCL.

• 7 – 14 years old: Apex beat is located in the 5th ICS, on or within 1cm of the MCL.

Heart Rate:

• Heart rate should be counted while the child is asleep.

Blood Pressure:

• Normal Systolic Blood Pressure: 80 + 2x (x is the child’s age).

• Normal Diastolic Blood Pressure: 1-2/3 of systolic blood pressure.

• Infants under 1 year old: Systolic blood pressure < 70 mmHg is considered shock.

• Children 1 year old and older: Systolic blood pressure < 70 + 2x (x is the child’s age) is considered shock.

• Children 10 years old and older: Systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg is considered shock.