Blood pressure Flashcards
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted by blood on vessel walls as the left ventricle of the heart contracts and relaxes.
Example: Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
What is systole?
Systole (Systolic Pressure). Pressure within arteries increases as the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood.
Example: The systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading.
What is diastole?
Diastole (Diastolic Pressure). Pressure within arteries decreases as the left ventricle relaxes and fills with blood.
Example: The diastolic pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
How is blood pressure usually measured?
Blood pressure is usually measured in the brachial artery using a blood pressure cuff or sphygmomanometer.
Example: A healthcare provider inflates the cuff and listens for the sounds of blood flow using a stethoscope.
What do the higher and lower numbers represent in a blood pressure reading?
The higher number represents systolic pressure; the lower number represents diastolic pressure.
Example: A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg indicates a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.
When is hypertension suspected?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is suspected when blood pressure readings reach or exceed 140/90.
Example: A blood pressure reading of 150/95 mmHg would be considered hypertension.
