BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood Pressure is a measure of the blood’s pressure in the circulatory system, which changes constantly during the course of the cardiac cycle. Blood pressure readings report two values. The higher reading (systolic pressure) shows the highest pressure in the arteries occurring when the heart contracts. The lower reading (diastolic pressure) shows the lowest pressure in the arteries, which occurs right before the heart contracts. Blood pressure readings are written with the highest value first, then the lowest value. Readings of 120/80 are considered to be normal, with high blood pressure being defined as a systolic pressure which is 140mmHg or more at rest and a diastolic pressure which is 90mmHg or more at rest. Only a patient’s physician is qualified to determine whether the readings obtained are normal for that person.
Measuring blood pressure: Have the patient, while relaxed and in a sitting position, extend the arm from which the blood pressure will be taken to the front or laterally with the palm of the hand up.
Attach the cuff and diaphragm: Hold the end of the cuff containing the inflation bag firmly against the inside of the bare upper arm with the artery symbol positioned over the brachial artery. Never place the cuff over clothing. Pull the opposite end of the cuff snugly around the arm and secure the Velcro® strips. The range lines, indicated by the arrows, show the correct cuff size when the cuff is placed on the arm. If the index line on the end of the cuff falls be- tween the two range lines, the cuff is the proper size. If the index line falls outside the range lines, a larger or smaller cuff should be used. The cuff should be snug, but not too tight. If one or two fingers can fit between the cuff and the arm, the cuff is properly secured. Place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the brachial artery inferior to the cuff.
Labtron 222 / V222B Wallmax Professional Aneroid Sphygmomanometer |
