Blood pressure terms Flashcards
What is blood pressure
The force exerted by blood against the vessel (arterial) walls
What is the systole
Ventricular contraction, peak pressure
What is diastole
The pressure exerted on vessel walls when ventricles relax and refill
What is blood pressure measured in
Millimeters of mercury mm/hg
What is blood pressure measured with
Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope
What are the korotkoff phases (sounds)
The different sounds heard as the cuff is inflating
What is the systolic recording
The first korotkoff sound, the first sound heard
What is the diastolic recording
The last korotkoff sound heard
What is pulse pressure
The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure readings
What is considered a normal blood pressure reading
Systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80
What is considered an elevated blood pressure
Systolic 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
What is considered a high blood pressure (hypertension) stage 1
Systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89
What is considered high blood pressure (hypertension) stage 2
Systolic 140 or higher or diastolic 90 or higher
What is considered a hypertensive crisis (consult doctor immediately)
Systolic higher than 180 and/or diastolic higher than 120
What is hypotension
Systolic blood pressure 90 mm/hg or below
What is orthostatic/postural hypotension
Dizziness and low blood pressure when going from reclining to upright position
What is the ideal cuff size
Should be 40% of the circumference of the midpoint of the limb and bladder in cuff should encircle 80% of the limb
What are some factors influencing blood pressure
Age Gender Medications Diurnal variation Position Sympathetic stimulation Exercise Weight Ethnicity Smoking
What is the rationale for doing the 2 step method
Auscultory gap- a period of abnormal silence or diminished intensity during one of the korotkoff sound phases. During the silence, the pulse wave is palpable but not audible. Exact cause or mechanism is unknown
Which patient usually have an auscultory gap
Hypertensive patients and those with arteriosclerotic heart disease
