3.1: Introduction to Cardiology Blood Pressure Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions regarding blood pressure measurement, classifications, and physiological regulation as discussed in the Cardiology lecture notes.

Blood pressure

The pressure exerted against the walls of blood vessels as blood circulates through the body.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure, also commonly known as the blood pressure cuff.

Millimeters of mercury ($mm/Hg$)

The units in which blood pressure measurements are recorded.

Brachial artery

The artery from which blood flow is cut off by a blood pressure cuff during measurement.

Korotkoff sound

The first sound heard through a stethoscope when releasing cuff pressure, indicating blood flow is no longer completely restricted.

Systolic value

The top number of a blood pressure reading corresponding to the first $Korotkoff$ $sound$.

Diastolic value

The bottom number of a blood pressure reading, occurring when the sounds disappear and the brachial artery is completely open.

Hypertension

A persistent systolic blood pressure of greater than $130\,mm/Hg$ and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than $80\,mm/Hg$.

Essential hypertension

Also known as primary hypertension; a condition where the cause of the increased blood pressure is unknown.

Secondary hypertension

Elevated blood pressure that is caused by another underlying disease.

Orthostatic hypotension

A sudden drop in blood pressure occurring when a patient changes positions, such as moving from a seated to a standing position.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle, determined by heart rate ($beats\,per\,minute$) and stroke volume.

Stroke volume

The volume of blood pumped per contraction of the heart.

Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

The resistance to blood flow determined by the diameter and musculature nature of the blood vessel.

Normotensive

A blood pressure classification defined as less than $120/80\,mm/Hg$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A blood pressure classification defined as $120-129/<80\,mm/Hg$.

Hypertensive Stage 1

A blood pressure classification defined as $130-139/80-89\,mm/Hg$.

Hypertensive Stage 2

A blood pressure classification defined as greater than $140/90\,mm/Hg$.

Peripheral resistance

The resistance generated by the flow of blood through the arteries.

Renin

An enzyme released by the kidney that leads to vasoconstriction, water and sodium retention, and an increase in blood pressure.