Blood Pressure Cuff and Sphygmomanometer

A sphygmomanometer is used to take blood pressure. The sphygmomanometer's cuff has an inflatable rubber bladder that is fastened around the arm. A pressure meter indicates the cuff's pressure. A small, handheld air pump inflates the blood pressure cuff. After the cuff has been inflated, an air valve is used to slowly release air pressure. As the pressure is released, a stethoscope is used to listen to arterial blood flow sounds. These sounds are called Korotkoff Sounds.

The heart's beating pushes blood through the arteries causing a rise and fall of arterial pressure. The highest pressure is called systolic pressure and is followed by a decrease in pressure. This low blood pressure point is called diastolic pressure.

When taking blood pressure, a stethoscope is used to help the user hear blood flow turbulence. The cuff is initially inflated well above expected systolic pressure. At this time, blood flow is stopped. No sounds are heard with the stethoscope. As the value is opened, pressure slowly diminishes. When the cuff's pressure equals the arterial systolic pressure, blood begins to flow past the cuff. This creates blood flow turbulence and can be heard with the stethoscope. When these sounds are initially heard, the practitioner makes a note of the cuff's pressure value. As the cuff's air is continued to be released, the blood turbulence sounds continue to be heard. When the cuff's air pressure falls below the patient's arterial diastolic pressure, the sounds stop. This pressure when the blood flow sounds stop indicates the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure values (readings) should be stated as pairs. The higher (systolic) value first, and then the lower (diastolic) value. For example, "128 over 84". This is written as 128/84mmHg.