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Blood Pressure Measurement at the Doctor's (according to Korotkow/Korotkoff)

When you visit a doctor, the examination often begins with measuring your blood pressure. In most doctor's offices, you can still find the classic blood pressure measuring devices: the so-called "sphygmomanometers".

Blood pressure measurement on the upper arm and wrist
For the usual measurement of blood pressure, the so-called indirect measurement method is used. A cuff is placed around the upper arm and slowly inflated - either manually or automatically with digital measuring devices. At a certain point, the pressure in the cuff is approximately equal to the pressure in the artery. If the pressure is then slightly increased further, the upper arm artery is compressed. The blood flow is briefly interrupted at this point. The pulse, triggered by the heartbeat, is no longer audible or palpable. Using a blood pressure manometer, the blood pressure in a medium-sized artery in the arm or leg can be determined in this way.

A stethoscope is used to refine the measurement method. In addition to visual recognition, there is also an acoustic perception. With a stethoscope, the examiner can hear exactly when the pressure in the cuff compresses the artery. Newer models feature a fully automatic electronic measuring device.

The setup is very similar to the old model, but the values are read from a monitor.

Illustration: Measurement according to Korotkow

1. The cuff is applied. 1. The cuff is applied.
2. The cuff is inflated until it interrupts the blood flow. 2. The cuff is inflated until it interrupts the blood flow.
3. As the air is released, the vibrations in the blood flow are registered. 3. As the air is released, the vibrations in the blood flow are registered.
4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is complete. 4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is complete.

By the way:
A study published in September 2023 showed that even the body position taken during blood pressure measurement in the doctor's office plays a role. The values measured while sitting on an examination table, without the subject being able to lean back, place their feet, or rest their arm, were systolic 7 mmHg and diastolic 4.5 mmHg higher than when sitting in a chair with feet elevated and arm supported.

Sources:


By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (12/2023).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.

We hope you found the article on the topic helpful. Correct measurement is very important for good blood pressure management. Our app BloodPressureDB helps with that. Concrete explanations guide you through a guideline-compliant measurement. The app also reminds you if you wish. These features are also fully available in the free version. Get the free app now.

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