When taking blood pressure, what does the first sound heard represent?

The first sound heard during blood pressure measurement is indicative of systolic pressure. This sound occurs when the pressure in the cuff is released enough for blood to begin flowing through the artery, producing a clear “thump” sound known as Korotkoff sounds. At this point, the pressure in the artery is high enough to overcome the pressure being applied by the cuff, indicating the maximum pressure exerted on the arterial walls when the heart contracts.

Systolic pressure is critical in assessing cardiovascular health as it reflects how effectively the heart pumps blood into the arteries. It is commonly recorded as the higher number in a blood pressure reading, with diastolic pressure, which is the lower number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Understanding this concept is fundamental to accurately interpreting blood pressure readings and enhancing patient care.