In this lab, our objective was to use a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. We used the sphygmomanometer to listen to the sounds of Korotkoff, and used them to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After measuring the blood pressure, in part 10B, we tested ourselves for our overall fitness. Overall, I expected that with increased exercise, blood pressure would increase (delivering oxygen faster). In addition, I also expected the reclining pulse to be less than a standing pulse because a person would be more relaxed and at ease.
Procedure
Because I did the lab myself, I did not measure the blood pressure of any partner.
1. First, I attached the sphygmomanometer snugly to my upper arm, making sure to secure the wrist strap. In addition, I placed the stethoscope at my elbow.
2. Then, I started pumping air into the sphygmomanometer by squeezing it.
3. After the pressure on the gauge exceeded 200 mm hg, I slowly released air from the cuff.
4. At the same time, I was listening for a pulse. When I heard the first heart sounds, I took down the pressure on the gauge to get my systolic pressure.
5. I continued to release air. When I heard the last sounds, I noted the pressure on the gauge to get my diastolic pressure.
6. I repeated steps 1-5 two more times, and recorded all my data.
Data
Table 1: Blood Pressures
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average (rounded to closest whole #)
Systolic 111 96 86 98
Diastolic 56 64 60 60
Table 2: Reclining/Standing Blood Pressures
Reclining Standing
Systolic 92 94
Diastolic 57 57
Fitness points = 2
Table 3: A Test of Fitness
Fitness points = 3
OVERALL FITNESS POINTS = 2+3+3+3+2+3 = 16 (good)
Analysis
Overall, I felt that this lab was extremely fun, as I had the opportunity to learn how to use a sphygmomanometer. I thought that reading a sphygmomanometer to determine blood pressure was an interesting experience, and enjoyed listening to the sounds of Korotkoff. In addition, I learned that blood pressure is really a result of the systolic and diastolic cycles of the heart. The heart's contractions cause blood to be pushed into arteries and delivered into various parts of the body, and it is in arteries that you can feel your pulse. However, I was surprised at my overall fitness. I expected to only be "fair" on the scale for fitness, but ended up earning enough points to score "good."
Answers to Questions
1. Explain why blood pressure and heart rate differ when measured in a reclining position and a standing position.
When measured in a reclining position, a person is much more at ease and feels more relaxed. Therefore, his or her blood pressure is lower than it is compared to standing. When a person stands up, the heart needs to pump harder to support the weight of the person as he is standing up. In addition, standing up requires more energy than normally reclining, which makes the heart pump faster.
2. Explain why high blood pressure is a health concern.
High blood pressure is a health concern because if your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries. For example, a stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Therefore, the lack of oxygen means that the brain's function is disrupted, leading to inability to move in most cases. In addition, other parts of the body such as the kidneys, which filter blood, could be damaged if blood does not reach it, which is a grave health concern.
3. Explain why an athlete must exercise harder or longer to achieve a maximum heart rate than a person who is not physically fit.
An athlete must exercise harder to achieve a maximum heart rate because his or her heart is more efficient at pumping blood and distributing oxygen than the heart of a person who is not physically fit. This means that because their heart is used to having exertion, it will take longer for it to pump faster.
4. Research and explain why smoking causes a rise in blood pressure.
Smoking causes a rise in blood pressure because of the active ingredient in tobacco, nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant that causes the nervous system of humans to go into overdrive. With this, more adrenaline is released by the brain. This causes an increased blood pressure.
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