2 - Blood Pressure Flashcards
Define blood pressure
The force of blood as it pushes against the arterial walls
What are the 2 components to blood pressure?
Systolic blood pressure
Diastolic blood pressure
Systolic blood pressure
- The highest pressure that is felt on the arteries
- Caused by ventricular contraction (systole)
Diastolic blood pressure
- The lowest (or resting) pressure
- During ventricular relaxation (diastole)
BP measured in ?
mmHg
What is cardiac output?
Volume of blood ejected by the ventricles per minute
What is CO dependent on?
CO = HR x SV
What is stroke volume?
amount of blood put out by the left ventricle in one contraction
What is peripheral vascular resistance dependent on?
arterial blood viscosity, wall elasticity
High blood pressure often has ?
no symptoms
HTN associated with?
CV morbidity and mortality
List some BP measurement methods
1) Office Measurement (OBPM)
- Oscillometric (electronic) - preferred
- Auscultatory (manual reading with mercury or aneroid)
2) Automatic Office Measurement (AOBP)
- Oscillometric (electronic)
3) Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
4) Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM)
Describe an Oscillometric BP Device
- Takes 6 readings at 1-2 minute intervals
- Clinician in attendance during 1st reading only
- Patient left alone for subsequent readings
- Device discards 1st reading and averages next 5 measures
Describe a Mercury Sphygmomanometer
- Traditionally was the gold standard
- Accuracy depends on proper standardized technique
- Phasing out of clinics/hospitals
Describe an Ambulatory BP Measurement
- Records for 24 hours
- Day: Every 20-30 mins
- Night: Every 30-60 mins
- Monitors changes throughout day based on activity, drugs, etc.
Describe a Home Blood Pressure Machine
Strengths:
- easy/convenient to use
- multiple measurements
Limitations:
- irregular heart rate
- physical movement (ex. shivering)
Describe Step 1: Preparation
1) Equipement
2) Patient seated and comfortable:
- Rest for at least 5 mins
- Tell patient what you are doing
- Back supported
- Feet flat on floor
- Arm slightly bent, palm up
- Arm supported at heart level
List 3 factors that can raise BP?
- Nicotine/Caffeine in last 30 mins
- Drugs (decongestants, prednisone, NSAIDs)
- Exercise
*more on page 3
List 3 factors that can lower BP?
- Fasting
- Depressants
- Rest
Describe Step 2: Apply Cuff
1) Select the appropriate cuff size
2) Palpate the brachial artery along the upper arm
3) Centre the bladder of the cuff over the brachial artery (tubing facing downward)
4) Wrap cuff smoothly and snuggly around arm (~2.5cm above antecubital fossa (crease of the elbow)
5) Position the manometer in direct line of eye site
What size of cuff for arm circumference of 18-26 cm?
9 x 18 cm (child)
What size of cuff for arm circumference of 26-33 cm?
12 x 23 (standard adult model)
What size of cuff for arm circumference of 33-41 cm?
15 x 33 (large)
What size of cuff for arm circumference of >41 cm?
18 x 36 cm (extra large, obese)
Bladder width = ?
40% of arm circumference
Bladder length = ?
80% of arm circumference
The Manometer should be positioned at ?
eye level