Blood Pressure Flashcards
What is sphygmomanometry?
A method of non-invasive blood pressure measurement by a sphygmomanometer.
What is a sphygmomanometer?
An externally applied cuff attached to a pressure gauge. The pressure from the cuff is transmitted to the underlying brachial artery.
How does a sphygmomanometer work?
By balancing the pressure in the cuff against the pressure in the artery.
What can be estimated by sphygmomanometry?
The blood pressure requested to surpass the pressure in the cuff (systolic) and to establish laminar flow (diastolic)
How can the changes in atrial pressure be measured directly?
By connecting a pressure-measuring device to a needle inserted into the artery. (invasive methode)
When can the pulsations be heard and why?
When the cuff pressure is just below the peaked blood pressure. Because the first flow is turbulent.
What indicates the systolic blood pressure?
The cuff pressure when the first sound is heard indicates the systolic BP.
What indicates the diastolic BP?
The highest cuff pressure at which the last sound can be detected indicates the diastolic BP.
What is the korotkoff phenomenon?
The turbulent bloodflow creates vibrations which can be heard through a stethoscope.
How is BP regulated?
By controlling cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and blood volume.
What is the main driving force for propelling blood to the tissues?
Mean arterial blood pressure
Mean arterial pressure depends on…?
cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and many related factors.
How can you calculate mean arterial pressure?
cardiac output x total peripheral resistance
or 1/3 systolic BP +2/3 diastolic BP.
Direct method of BP measurement?
Catheterization of an artery
Auscultatory technique?
By sphygmomanometry
