Blood Pressure and Circulatory system flashcards

Flashcards about blood pressure, hypertension and circulatory systems

What does PAP stand for, and what does it measure?

Pulmonary Artery Pressure, which is the pressure within the pulmonary arteries.

What does BP stand for, and what does it measure?

Blood Pressure, which is the arterial pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the systemic circulatory system.

With which circulatory system is the left heart associated?

The systemic circulatory system.

What are the characteristics of the left heart system regarding pressure, resistance, and oxygenation?

High pressure, high resistance, and high oxygenation (approximately 98% O2 saturation).

What type of blood does the left heart receive, and from where?

Oxygenated (arterial/red) blood from the pulmonary circulatory system.

Where is oxygenated blood delivered, and via what system?

All tissues in the body via the arterial system.

What happens to deoxygenated blood after oxygen is utilized by tissues?

It returns to the right heart, and the cycle repeats.

How is blood pressure (BP) defined?

It is the arterial pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the systemic circulatory system.

How can blood pressure be recorded?

Manually with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, or automatically with an automatic blood pressure cuff and monitor.

What does systolic blood pressure represent?

It is the upper number, representing the pressure when the heart is contracted.

What does diastolic blood pressure represent?

It is the lower number, representing the pressure when the heart is relaxed.

How are systolic and diastolic blood pressures read?

As a fraction (e.g., 114/72 mmHg).

According to the American Heart Association, what is considered normal blood pressure?

Less than 120/less than 80 mmHg.

What is considered elevated blood pressure?

120-129/less than 80 mmHg.

What defines stage one hypertension (HTN)?

130-139/80-89 mmHg.

What defines stage two hypertension?

140+/90+ mmHg.

What defines a hypertensive crisis, and what action should be taken?

180+/120+ mmHg; call a doctor immediately.

What equipment is needed to acquire a blood pressure (BP) reading?

A BP cuff and a stethoscope, or an automatic BP monitor with a cuff.

What are the characteristics of pressure, resistance, and wall thickness in the pulmonary circulation?

Low pressure, low resistance, and thin walls.

What is the approximate O2 saturation rate in the pulmonary circulation?

Approximately 75%.

What are the characteristics of pressure, resistance, and wall thickness in the systemic circulation?

High pressure, high resistance, and thick walls.

What is the approximate O2 saturation rate in the systemic circulation?

Approximately 98%.