Blood Pressure Measurement

The blood pressure measurement is a central medical examination method that can be performed not only by doctors but also by professionals such as registered nurses, medical assistants, or paramedics.

For measuring blood pressure, it is important to have the necessary knowledge to obtain real and reliable values. Additionally, appropriate measures can be taken in case of abnormal and potentially life-threatening blood pressure values.

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 brachial artery is compressed. The blood flow is briefly interrupted at this point. The pulse, triggered by the heartbeat, is no longer audible or palpable. In this way, blood pressure can be determined in a medium-sized artery in the arm or leg using a blood pressure manometer. A stethoscope is used to refine the measurement method. Thus, in addition to optical detection, there is also acoustic perception. With a stethoscope, the examiner can hear exactly when the pressure in the cuff compresses the artery.

Illustration: Measurement according to Korotkow

1. The cuff is applied.

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.

4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is complete.

Illustration: Measurement with an oscillometric device

1. The cuff is applied.

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.

4. When the blood flows again without turbulence, the measurement is complete.

In blood pressure measurement, two values are always distinguished. On one hand, there is the so-called systolic blood pressure. It describes the maximum pressure during the heart's compression phase. On the other hand, the diastolic blood pressure is measured, which is measured during the heart's relaxation phase.

The determined values are compared with corresponding normal values. The blood pressure of a young, rested, healthy adult shows a value of about 120/80 mmHg. The higher value of 120 mmHg is the systolic blood pressure. The lower value of 80 mmHg is the diastolic blood pressure value.

The older a person gets, the higher their blood pressure tends to be. This is due to a natural decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels but can also be caused by various diseases.

In another, very specific measurement of blood pressure - direct arterial blood pressure measurement - a catheter is inserted directly into an artery, and the blood pressure is measured close to the heart. This measurement is primarily done during surgeries or in intensive care units.

Sources:

By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (12/2023).
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Blood Pressure Measurement

Illustration: Measurement according to Korotkow

Illustration: Measurement with an oscillometric device

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