When measuring blood pressure, what do the 2 numbers represent?

(2 posts)

Mr E
Member

the first is called the systolic, the second, diastolic. the first is the pressure when the ventricle contracts and squeezes out blood into the ascending aorta, the second when it relaxes and refills with atrial blood. the sphygmomanometer measures bp by first compressing an artery above the pressure level needed to stop arterial flow, then backs the pressure off slowly until flow resumes and measures this pressure level. have the patient rest the forearm on an adjacent table with the arm bent at the elbow and palm facing upward. wrap the cuff around the arm neither leaving extra space nor tightly just above the elbow, with the tubing side up. slide stethescope pick-up just under the cuff face down. place the earpieces in your ears. close the valve on the cuff, then pump up the cuff by squeezing the bulb as you watch the guage to an estimated twenty over the anticipated systolic pressure. slightly open the valve and watch the guage needle steadily and slowly drop while listening for the first pulse sound. note the indicated pressure at this first pulse. this is the systolic pressure. continue to listen for the rapid fading of the pulse sound. the diastolic pressure is the point when it rapidly fades, not when it has gone completely.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jenny
Member

for example 120/80
what is 120 and what is 80?

if you could, could you also tell me how a sphygmomanometer works and how exactly to measure blood pressure

thanks :)

Posted 2 years ago #

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