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
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