Why is it essential to monitor blood pressure in infants?

Monitoring blood pressure in infants is crucial for assessing heart function. Blood pressure provides valuable information about the effectiveness of the heart's pumping action and the overall cardiovascular health of the infant. Infants, especially those born prematurely or with congenital heart defects, can exhibit abnormal blood pressure readings that may indicate underlying conditions. Detecting any changes in blood pressure allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly if necessary, ensuring the infant’s heart is functioning appropriately and that there is adequate blood flow to vital organs.

While evaluating lung capacity and nutritional status are important in overall infant health, they are not the primary reasons for closely monitoring blood pressure. Growth milestones can also be assessed through other means, such as weight and length measurements, making heart function assessment through blood pressure measurement distinctly essential.