Vital Signs - Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure : Pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries

Systolic : Number that is on the top, and when heart is contracting

Diastolic : Number that is on the bottom, and when heart is at rest

Systolic range : 90 - 140

Diastolic range : 60 - 90

Hypertension : High blood pressure, above 140 systolic or over 90 diastolic

Hypotension : Low blood pressure, under 90 over 60

To measure systolic : Sound of first beat

To measure diastolic : No beat is heard

Hypertension thickens heart muscle (hypertrophy) and reduces chamber in size

Thigh cuff for large arms, Small cuff pediatrics

Sphygmomanometer is instrument use to take blood pressure

Pulse pressure: Difference between systolic and diastolic