Heart Sounds, Pulse, and Blood Pressure Lab Overview

These flashcards cover concepts related to heart sounds, pulse, and blood pressure as discussed in the lab exercise, including definitions, procedures, and physiological principles.

Heart Sounds

Sounds produced by the closure of heart valves during the cardiac cycle.

Sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure.

Auscultation

The action of listening to sounds within the body, often using a stethoscope.

Apical Pulse

The pulse measured at the apex of the heart, often assessed with a stethoscope.

Radial Pulse

The pulse felt at the radial artery, typically at the wrist.

Pulse Deficit

The difference between the apical pulse and radial pulse.

Systolic Pressure

Blood pressure during ventricular contraction; normal value is approximately 120 mmHg.

Diastolic Pressure

Blood pressure during ventricular relaxation; normal value is approximately 80 mmHg.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

A calculated average pressure within the arteries during the cardiac cycle.

Korotkoff Sounds

Sounds that are heard through a stethoscope during the process of measuring blood pressure.

Dicrotic Notch

A brief backflow of blood after the semilunar valves close during diastole.

Heart Murmur

An abnormal heart sound, often caused by valvular insufficiency.

Physiological Basis of Heart Sounds

The vibrations produced during the closure of heart valves create distinct heart sounds.

Palpation

The act of feeling with the hands to determine characteristics of pulse.

Blood Pressure Measurement Procedure

Involves wrapping the sphygmomanometer cuff around the arm and auscultating the brachial artery.

Ventricular Pressure Rise

Pressure increase that occurs during ventricular contraction.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events in one heartbeat, including systole and diastole.

Atrioventricular Valves

Valves between the atria and ventricles that close to produce the first heart sound.

Semilunar Valves

Valves between the ventricles and major arteries that close to produce the second heart sound.

Ventricular Relaxation

Phase during which the heart chambers refill with blood after contraction.

Physiological Changes During Exercise

Increased heart rate and blood pressure due to physical activity.

Blood Flow through Arteries

Movement of blood under pressure, influenced by vasoconstriction and blood volume.

Exercise Impact on Blood Pressure

Exercise can elevate blood pressure due to increased cardiac output.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, defined as systolic BP over 140 mmHg or diastolic BP over 90 mmHg.

Essential Hypertension

Hypertension with no identifiable cause; accounts for 96% of cases.

Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension resulting from identifiable pathological processes.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Hormone (ANP)

Hormone that regulates blood pressure; a deficiency may lead to hypertension.

Arteriosclerosis

The thickening and hardening of arterial walls.

Atherosclerosis

Build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which may block blood flow.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure.

Angiotensin II

A hormone that increases blood pressure by stimulating vasoconstriction.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The total amount of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.

Tachycardia

A heart rate that exceeds normal resting rates.

Bradycardia

A slower than normal heart rate.

Baroreceptor Reflex

A body mechanism that helps maintain blood pressure; responds to changes in pressure.

Sphygmomanometer Cuff Sizes

Different cuffs for various arm sizes: pediatric, femoral, and standard.

Clinical Significance of Blood Pressure Variations

Variations in blood pressure can indicate underlying health conditions.

Pulse Measurement Techniques

Methods to determine heart rate through palpation of arteries.

Anatomical Position for Blood Pressure Measurement

Sitting with arm supported at heart level during measurement.

Correct Stethoscope Use

Earpieces angled forward for optimal sound reception during auscultation.

Diastolic Phase of Cardiac Cycle

The phase when the heart relaxes, allowing chambers to fill with blood.

Systolic Phase of Cardiac Cycle

The phase when the heart contracts, pushing blood out of the ventricles.