Blood Pressure Lab

Diastole is the pressure taken right after the blood flows through the vessels and systole is the pressure when the vessel contracts and is continuing to push blood. We typically measure our heart rate either at the carotid or radial artery. One can use their fingers but avoid using the thumb because it has a pulse as well or use a heart rate monitor. A sphygmomanometer & stethoscope is used to measure blood pressure. To use a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer), first wrap the cuff snugly around the arm right above the elbow, make sure the arm is facing upwards. Place the stethoscope just under the cuff and try to place it exactly where the radial artery. Make sure that the bulb is closed, then slowly squeeze the bulb to tighten the cuff to about 160. Then, slowly release air from the cuff by opening the bulb. Listen for the first thumping noise and take note of the number. Continue to listen to the heartbeats until there is no longer any sounds and take note of that number as well. The first number is the systolic number and the second is the diastolic number.

Data Table

Stethoscope & sphygmomanometer