TL;DR
Blood Pressure: Force of blood against arterial walls, measured in mmHg as systolic/diastolic. Normal: <120/80.
Blood Pressure
Definition
Force of blood against arterial walls, measured in mmHg as systolic/diastolic. Normal: <120/80.
Overview
Blood pressure measures force during cardiac contraction (systolic) and relaxation (diastolic). Normal is <120/80 mmHg.
Classification
- Normal: <120/<80
- Elevated: 120–129/<80
- Stage 1: 130–139 or 80–89
- Stage 2: ≥140 or ≥90
- Crisis: >180 and/or >120
Technique
Auscultatory method: inflate above expected systolic, deflate 2–3 mmHg/sec. First Korotkoff sound = systolic; disappearance = diastolic.
Cuff bladder should be 40% of arm circumference, encircle 80% of arm. Wrong size is the #1 error.
Clinical Significance
Hypertension is the silent killer. Orthostatic hypotension: ≥20 mmHg systolic drop within 3 minutes of standing.
Narrowing pulse pressure in trauma suggests cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, or hemorrhage.
Why It Matters
Tested on CNA, MA, EMT, and Paramedic exams. Cuff sizing is the most frequent exam topic.
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