free printable blood pressure range chart

Rather than auscultating for Korotkoff sounds, these devices measure oscillations in blood flow as the cuff is deflated.ĭevice-specific algorithms are then used to calculate blood pressure indirectly.

Īutomated devices can also be used to measure blood pressure. Only the final disappearance of Korotkoff sounds should be used for recording the diastolic pressure. Medical professionals should thus continue to auscultate over the brachial artery even when Korotkoff sounds disappear to eliminate the possibility of an auscultatory gap. In some patients, particularly those with wide pulse pressure, Korotkoff sounds can temporarily fade but then reappear as the cuff continues to deflate.

Of note, medical professionals should be aware of the auscultatory gap, which can result in the premature recording of diastolic pressure. The Korotkoff sounds heard when measuring blood pressure are: Thus, the systolic pressure is indicated by the origination of Korotkoff sounds, and their disappearance indicates the diastolic pressure. As the cuff continues to deflate to the level of the diastolic pressure, pulsatile blood flow occurs smoothly, and Korotkoff sounds disappear. The resulting turbulence produces characteristic tapping sounds known as Korotkoff sounds. When the pressure in the cuff falls to the systolic pressure level, pulsatile blood flow begins to re-establish. The cuff is then gradually deflated while continuing to auscultate over the brachial artery. At this point, the pressure of the cuff exceeds the systolic pressure, and auscultation over the brachial artery reveals no sound due to complete obstruction of flow.

To measure an individual’s blood pressure, the deflated cuff is placed around the arm and inflated sufficiently to occlude arterial flow. This method utilizes a sphygmomanometer, a device comprised of an inflatable cuff connected to a pressure gauge (generally a column of mercury). The original method of determining blood pressure via the auscultation of Korotkoff sounds continues to be a mainstay in blood pressure measurement.

Free printable blood pressure range chart