blood pressure Flashcards
what is arterial blood pressure?
a measure of force to push blood around the body
what is systolic blood pressure?
pressure in arteries during systole (contraction)
what is diastolic blood pressure?
pressure in arteries during diastole (relaxation)
how would you calculate pulse pressure?
systolic BP- diastolic BP
how would you calculate mean arterial pressure?
diastolic blood pressure + 1/3 pulse pressure
what is the mean arterial blood pressure?
- Driving force for blood flow through organs (except lungs)
- Maintenance is essential for ensuring adequate blood flow to organ systems
- Arterial blood pressure is maintained at around 120 / 80mmHg
- Variations in blood flow to different organs must occur when demand arises to ensure adequate perfusion.
- Arterial blood pressure provides a useful insight into a patient’s cardiovascular health
- Routinely measured in clinical practice.
what is mean systemic arterial pressure a product of?
cardiac output and total peripheral resistance
when is blood pressure greatest?
on waking up
when is blood pressure lowest?
during sleep
when does blood pressure increase?
in response to exercise, stress, sensory stimuli
what is blood pressure measured using?
sphygmomananometer
what are korotkoff sounds?
the sounds that medical personnel listen for when they are taking blood pressure using a non-invasive procedure
what are korotkoff sounds?
the sounds that medical personnel listen for when they are taking blood pressure using a non-invasive procedure
why are the cuffs inflated when measuring blood flow?
stops the artery blood flow
what are the two mechanisms which control and regulate blood pressure?
rapid and long term
what is the rapid regulation of blood pressure?
nerves and hormones
what is the long term regulation of blood pressure?
blood volume
where do pressure gradients exist in relation to blood pressure?
from the arterial system to venous system
when is blood pressure highest in relation to the heart?
when it enters the aorta on contraction of the left ventricle
what are baroreceptors?
- Mechanoreceptors that detect the degree of stretch of blood vessel walls
- Monitor blood pressure
- Mechanical stretch (circumferential stress) in arteries occurs due to pulsatile blood flow
- Directly related to blood pressure
- Increases during systole
- Gradually reducing during diastole.
- Most abundant in the aortic arch and carotid sinus.
- Sensitive to changes in stretch (pressure)
- Also sensitive to the rate of pressure change
where is it extremely important to monitor blood pressure?
entering the head and neck