Korotkoff's sounds
The sounds heard vary in intensity and quality during deflation and are called Korotkoff's sounds. Five phases of Korotkoff's sounds have been described but you need only record the reading for the first and last sounds.
1. First sounds that are heard, clear tapping sounds that increase in intensity. Systolic blood pressure is when rhythmic tapping is first heard.
2. The clear tapping sound of phase 1 is replaced with a softer muffled sound or murmur.
3. A less clear but louder and crisper tapping sound replaces the muffled sound of phase 2.
4. Tapping phase of phase 3 changes to muffled, soft blowing sound. This is sometimes called the first diastolic pressure.
5. Disappearance of all sounds. Diastolic blood pressure measured at this phase.
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