How do the heart rate and blood pressure of children compare to those of adults?

In children, the physiological characteristics of heart rate and blood pressure differ significantly from those of adults. Children typically have a higher resting heart rate compared to adults. This is primarily because children's smaller body size and higher metabolic rates necessitate a faster heart rate to maintain adequate cardiac output.

Blood pressure in children is generally lower than in adults as well. This is due to smaller arterial structures and lower vascular resistance. As children grow and develop, their heart rate tends to decline, and blood pressure gradually increases, aligning more closely with adult values as they mature.

Thus, the combination of a higher heart rate and lower blood pressure in children relative to adults is critical for understanding pediatric physiology and ensuring appropriate assessments in clinical exercise settings.