Resting Blood Pressure - Active Heart Rates Name:___________________________

Blood pressure is the force your heart uses to push blood through the arteries and veins (blood vessels). When blood pressure is consistently above normal it is called hypertension (high blood pressure).

The heart is like a pump. When it contracts, it forces blood through the blood vessels, and the pressure increases. This is called SYSTOLIC.

When the heart relaxes between beats, the pressure decreases and this is called DIASTOLIC pressure.

Most physicians consider a "normal" blood pressure reading for an adult to be approximately 120/80. The systolic (upper) is always recorded first, and the Diastolic (lower) is second.

In order to perform the Blood Pressure assignment part of this lab, please have a lab partner assist you. Sit your subject down and have him/her relax for about five minutes (15 minutes is most desirable). Use the following Blood Pressure measurement devices to calculate blood pressure:

A. Computerized Blood Pressure Monitor on the Apple Mac Performa Computer.
B. The Blood Pressure Cuff, Sphygmomanometer and Stethoscope (Manual Method)

Manual Method

In order to take blood pressure using the manual method, you should place the subject in the sitting position, with the forearm and the manometer at the same level as the heart. The cuff should be applied approximately an inch above the antecubital space (natural crease of the elbow), with the center of the bladder directly over the medial (inner surface of the) arm. The stethoscope head should be applied firmly, but with little pressure, over the brachial aratery in the antecubital space. The arm should be slightly flexed and placed on a flat surface

The bladder can be inflated while feeling the radial pulse to about 30 to 40 mmHg above the point at which the pulse disappears. The cuff should not be overinflated, as this may cause blood vessel spasm, resulting in higher blood pressure readings. The pressure should be released at a rate of 2 mm Hg per second. As the pressure is released, systolic blood pressure is determined at the point where the initial pulse sound is heard. The diastolic pressure is determined at the point where the sound disappears. The recordings should be made to the nearest 2 mm Hg (even numbers) and expressed as systolic over diastolic pressure --- for example, 124/80.

When taking more than one reading, the bladder should be completely deflated, and at least one minute should be allowed before making the next recording. The person measureing the pressure also should note whether the pressure was recorded from the left or the right arm. Resting blood pressure ratings are stated in the table below:

*Ratings Expressed in Terms of Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Record your findings on the form provided

Lab Results