What is Blood Pressure ?What is Blood Pressure ?

The measurement of the pressure that the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries during the various stages of activity in the heart

Blood pressure is read in millimeters (mm) of mercury (hg) on an instrument know as a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff)

What is Systolic Pressure ?What is Systolic Pressure ?The measurement of the pressure that occurs in the walls of the arteries when the left ventricle of the heart is contracting and pushing blood into the arteries

What is Diastolic Pressure ?What is Diastolic Pressure ?

Constant pressure that is present in the walls of the arteries when the heart is at rest or between contractions

Systolic PressureSystolic Pressure

Average Reading is 120Normal range is 100 – 140

Diastolic PressureDiastolic Pressure

Average reading is 80Normal range is 60 – 90

HypertensionHypertension

High Blood Pressure indicated by Systolic pressure greater than 140

Diastolic pressure greater than 90

Causes of HypertensionCauses of HypertensionStressAnxietyObesityHigh Salt Intake

AgingKidney DiseaseThyroid Deficiency

Arteriosclerosis

Can result inStrokeKidney Disease

Heart Disease

Factors That Increase Blood PressureFactors That Increase Blood Pressure

Excitement, anxiety, nervous tension

Stimulant DrugsExercising and EatingSmoking

HypotensionHypotension

Low blood pressure indicated by

Systolic pressure less that 100Diastolic pressure less than 60

Factors that Decrease Blood PressureFactors that Decrease Blood Pressure

Rest or sleepDepressant DrugsShockExcessive Blood LossFasting (not eating)

Orthostatic Hypotension Also Orthostatic Hypotension Also called Postural Hypotensioncalled Postural Hypotension

A sudden drop in both systolic and diastolic pressure when an individual moves from a lying position to a sitting or standing position

Caused by the inability of the blood vessels to compensate quickly to the change in position

Individual feels lightheaded, dizzy, and may have blurred vision for a few seconds until the blood vessels compensate and more blood is pushed into the brain

Various Factors That Influence Various Factors That Influence Blood Pressure ReadingsBlood Pressure Readings

Force of the heartbeatResistance of the arterial system

Elasticity of the arteriesVolume of the blood in the arteries

OSHA and Mercury OSHA and Mercury SphygmomanometersSphygmomanometers

OSHA discourages the use of mercury sphygmomanometers because mercury spills and contamination can occur

How to Record Blood Pressure How to Record Blood Pressure ReadingsReadings

Systolic pressure is recorded, then a slash line is drawn, and Diastolic pressure is recorded as shown below:

138 / 78

Cuff SizeCuff SizeCuffs that are too wide or

too narrow give incorrect readings

How to get a correct How to get a correct blood pressure readingblood pressure reading

Patient should sit quietly for 5 minutes before

Correct size cuffThe patient should be seated or lying comfortably with the forearm on a flat surface

The area of the arm covered by the cuff should be at heart level

Blood Pressure Reading Blood Pressure Reading cont.cont.

The area should be free of constrictive clothing

The lower edge of the cuff should be 1 to 1 ½ inches above the antecubital fossa (bend of the elbow)

The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be directly over the brachial artery