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5-10. Explanation of Technical Terms
Oscillometric Measurement
The device uses the oscillometric method to measure blood pressure.
A cuff is wrapped onto the upper arm and inflated to constrict the blood vessels and temporarily
stop the flow of blood. As the constriction is then gradually eased, the pressure of the blood
becomes greater than the pressure of the cuff. At this point, the blood starts to flow intermittently
due to the heartbeat.
At the stage of depressurization following pressurization of the cuff, the oscillometric method
determines the blood pressure value by checking the variation in cuff pressure (pressure pulse
wave) due to vibration of the blood vessel wall synchronized with the heartbeat. In general, the cuff
pressure when the pressure pulse wave suddenly grows large is the "maximum blood pressure"
and the cuff pressure when the pressure pulse wave suddenly becomes small is the "minimum
blood pressure".
KOROTKOV SOUNDS
RADIAL PULSE
In the above example, the maximum blood pressure is 157 mmHg and the minimum blood
pressure is 83 mmHg.
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