How does a paramedic evaluate an effective blood pressure reading?

An effective blood pressure reading requires the assessment of both systolic and diastolic pressures, which provides a complete picture of a patient’s cardiovascular status. The systolic pressure reflects the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure indicates the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Evaluating both values is essential for diagnosing conditions such as hypertension or hypotension, which can have significant implications for treatment.

Measuring only the systolic pressure would offer an incomplete assessment of blood pressure health, missing important information that diastolic pressure provides. Taking a single measurement may not accurately represent a patient’s typical blood pressure, as factors like stress, activity, or the positioning of the patient could influence the reading. Similarly, comparing readings to other patients does not establish an individual baseline or identify specific issues for the current patient. It is the combination of both systolic and diastolic measurements that allows paramedics to evaluate the blood pressure effectively and make informed clinical decisions.