Blood Pressure Lab

Systole is the pressure of the blood in the body when the heart contracts, while diastole is the remaining pressure when the heart is relaxed. To measure heart rate, you can use a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope, but you can also use a timer and your fingers placed on the radial or carotid arteries. Blood pressure is measured with a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. When you measure a pulse, don't use your thumb because your thumb has its own independent pulse that you may feel. To use a blood pressure cuff, place the cuff, with no air, on the bicep area of the uncovered arm. Put the stethoscope end under the cuff, on top of your veins in the inside of your elbow. Close the valve on the cuff and squeeze the bulb until the meter of the sphygimomanometer says 150 mm/Hg. Gently release the air from the valve, listening for the first heartbeat. Take note of the number on the meter when you hear it. Continue releasing the air until you no longer hear the heartbeat, and take note of the number on the meter when you stop hearing the heartbeat. The first number recorded is the systolic number, and the second is the diastolic.