Blood Pressure

Systolic pressure

The phase of the heart cycle when the cardiac muscle is contracted. (Normally, around 120 mm Hg).

Diastolic pressure

The phase of the heart cycle when the cardiac muscle is relaxed. (Normally, around 80 mm Hg).

Sphygmomanometer

The instrument that is used to measure blood pressure.

Mean arterial pressure

Is the average pressure in the arteries over time.

If we were to measure the blood pressure in the arteries of our head, would you expect it to be greater than or less than the blood pressure in the brachial artery?

If we were to measure blood pressure in the arteries of the head, we would expect it to be less than the blood pressure in the brachial artery.

This is due to the effect of gravity reducing pressure in elevated areas.

If we were to measure the blood pressure in the femoral artery, would you expect it to be greater than or less than the blood pressure in the brachial artery?

If we were to measure the blood pressure in the femoral artery, we would expect it to be greater than the blood pressure in the brachial artery.

Gravity causes higher pressure in lower areas of the body when standing.

What causes the Korotkoff sounds?

Korotkoff sounds are caused by turbulent blood flow in the brachial artery as the cuff pressure is released during blood pressure measurement.

They occur when the artery opens and closes with each heartbeat, producing audible sounds.

What effect did standing have on your recordings of blood pressure and heart rate, immediately and long term?

When you stand up, blood pools in your legs due to gravity, causing a temporary drop in blood pressure. In response, your heart rate increases, and blood vessels constrict to restore blood pressure.

Determine difference in average pressure when the arms is resting versus when it is raised above the head.

How did blood pressure change between the two positions of the arm?

When the arm is raised above the head, blood pressure typically decreases due to the effects of gravity reducing arterial pressure.

In contrast, when the arm is resting at heart level, blood pressure is higher and more accurately reflects central arterial pressure.