Blood Pressure and Pulse (EX 22)

Systole

Contraction of the ventricles

Diastole

Relaxation of the ventricles

Cardiac Cycle

The events of one complete heartbeat

Pulse

The alternating surges of pressure (expansion and the recoil) in an artery that occur with each beat of the left ventricle; normally averages 70-76 beats per minute in resting phase

Blood Pressure

The pressure the blood exerts against the inner blood vessel walls; generally measured in the arteries. Rhythmic flow of blood into the arteries causes this to rise and fall during each beat

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries at the peak of the ventricular ejection

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure during ventricular relaxation

Sphygmomanometer

Blood pressure cuff; instrument used to measure blood pressure by the auscultatory method

Sounds of Korotkoff

First soft thudding sounds of the blood spurting through the partially blocked artery, which indicates the resumption of blood flow into the forearm

Cardiac Output

(CO); the amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle per minute

Peripheral Resistance

(PR); the opposition to blood flow in the arteries.

Systolic

Upper number on the blood pressure reading; normal = <120

Diastolic

Lower number on the blood pressure reading; normal = >80

Blood vessel constriction, increased blood viscosity/volume, and the loss of elasticity of the arteries

3 things that increase peripheral resistance.