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Test: Blood Pressure
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Background/Purpose
Procedure
Blood pressure is a measure of circulating blood against the walls of arterial blood vessels. It is measured using a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. It is the maximum pressure (systolic) over minimum pressure (diastolic). The cuff is placed on either upper arm and is inflated until the radial pulse is no longer felt. When air is released from the cuff, the stethoscope is placed over the inside of the elbow. The blood pressure is measured when the pulse is heard for the first time ( which is referred to as the systolic pressure ) and the last time ( which is referred to as the diastolic pressure ). These values can be seen (as pulsations) by looking at the meter on the blood pressure cuff as the needle approaches zero.
Altered pressures can be the result of:
Circulatory system: Blood vessels - constriction, atherosclerosis; Heart - complication of high blood pressure not a cause, may contribute to low blood pressure.
Digestive: Excessive intake of processed foods, sodium intake
Endocrine: Disorders of the adrenal glands related to Aldosterone and Adrenaline; Pituitary and thyroid disorders can also cause changes.
Nervous: Acute and chronic stress resulting in changes of autonomic drive can also alter blood pressure.
Respiratory: Lung damage or low oxygen levels restrict small blood vessels, which forces the heart to pump harder against increased resistance.
Urinary: Kidney problems affecting fluid balancing can increase blood pressure; Hormonal signals can also affect blood pressure.
Performed: Unilaterally
Dialog
Using a stethoscope and a blood pressure cuff. It is the maximum pressure (systolic) over minimum pressure (diastolic).Criteria
- Within normal range
Measurement
mm/HgLOINC Code
8478-0Scale/Grading
selection range; grade - LOINC IDTest Stats
-
Side Pass Fail Left 3 0 Right 2 0 Avg. Measure. Left 124.7 0.0 Avg. Measure. - Right 135.0 0.0