1. Blood Pressure Review
Medical Therapeutics

2. 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

3. 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 – 90 mm Hg

4. 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

5. Bp= Blood Pressure

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. Video