Blood Pressure Review Medical Therapeutics

Blood Pressure Definition: The measurement of pressure of blood that is exerted on the walls of arteries during various stages of heart activity. Two different pressures Measures in milligrams of mercury Pressure is recorded in fractions. Systolic on top and Diastolic on bottom Ex 120/90

Blood Pressure diastolic Systolic Pressure when the left ventricle of the heart is contracting and pushing against the wall of the arteries. Normal Ranges – 100 – 140 mm Hg Pressure is the constant pressure of the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle is at rest, between contractions. Normal Ranges - 60 – 90 mm Hg

Pulse Pressure Pulse Pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic. Indicates of the health and tone of the arterial walls. 120-80=40 ( average pulse pressure) Low numbers /high numbers indicate vessel and heart disorders/disease

Bp= Blood Pressure

Equipment used to measure BP Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer Different types of sphygmomanometers Mercury, Aneroid Gauge, and Electronic Different Cuff Size according to the pt. If use the incorrect size, can obtain an inaccurate reading. Equipment used to measure BP

Important Factors to Remember when obtaining a B/P Right Cuff Clothing does not constrict arm and blood flow Cuff in correct position and application Gauge should be at heart level with palm of the hand up Place stethoscope over the brachial artery at the antecubital space Ear pieces should be pointed forward Tubing not tangled Cuff should be placed in the center of the upper arm and 1’ space above the antecubital area of the arm Control the valve Do not over inflate the cuff  

Hypertention , HBP, High BP Causes – stress, anxiety, obesity, high salt intake, age, kidney disease, thyroid deficiency and vascular conditions.

Hypotension, Low Bp low BP ↓ 90/60 Causes – heart failure, dehydration, burns, hemorrhage and shock

Factors that influence BP Force of the heart Resistance of the arterial system Elasticity of the arteries Volume of the blood in the arteries Increase in BP – excitement, stimulant drugs, exercise, smoking and eating Decrease in BP – rest or sleep, depressant drugs, shock, blood loss, fasting Pt position – lying, standing, sitting

Video