Blood Pressure BP

Blood Pressure (BP)

The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, caused by the rhythmic activity of the heart.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are relaxed, corresponding to the minimum blood pressure.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles contract, corresponding to the maximum blood pressure.

Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)

The blood pressure measured during diastole, normal range is 60-89 Hgmm.

Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)

The blood pressure measured during systole, normal range is 100-139 Hgmm.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

A theoretical continuous pressure that would produce an equivalent blood flow, calculated as MAP = (SBP + 2*DBP)/3.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

White Coat Hypertension

A phenomenon where blood pressure readings are higher due to anxiety in medical settings.

Korotkoff Sounds

Sounds heard through a stethoscope that indicate the pressure in the artery during blood pressure measurement.

Sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure, traditionally utilizing a rubber cuff.

Cardiovascular Reactivity

The variability in cardiovascular response to stressors, considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Prehypertension

A condition characterized by slightly elevated blood pressure, SBP of 130-139 and DBP of 85-89.

Automated Blood Pressure Devices

Devices that measure blood pressure automatically, often using oscillometric methods.

Auscultatory Method

A traditional method of measuring blood pressure that involves listening for Korotkoff sounds.

Hypertension

A condition where blood pressure is consistently too high, categorized into stages with specific thresholds.