Blood Pressure

1
Blood Pressure

• The measurement of the force of blood against
  artery walls when the heart contracts or relaxes

2
How is a B/P measured?

• You need a
• blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer)
• Stethoscope
• The BP cuff must fit the arm properly
• Listen for the first and last sound (Korotkoff
  sounds)
• Korotkoff Blood Pressure Sights and Sounds on
  Vimeo

3
Norms

• Systolic pressure occurs when the Left ventricle
  is contracting
• Normal100-140 mmHg (millimeters mercury)
• Diastolic pressure is the constant pressure in
  the arteries when the left ventricle of the heart
  is at rest
• Normal 60-90 mmHg (millimeters mercury)

4
How its written

• Always write the Systolic over the Diastolic
• Ex 120/80
• 140/90

5
Abnormals

• Hypertension
• BP greater than 140/90
• Hypotension
• BP less than 100/60

6
What causes Hypotension?

• Medications
• Level of physical fitness
• Hemorrhage
• Dehydration
• Standing too fast

7
What does Hypotension feel like?

• Dizziness
• Light-headed
• Faint
• Blurred vision

8
What causes Hypertension?

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Obesity
• High-salt intake
• Aging

9
What does Hypertension feel like?

• There may be no symptoms
• Headache
• Malaise-tired feeling
• Ringing in the ears