National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What does the first number in a blood pressure reading indicate?

1. Systolic

2. Diastolic

3. Kortokoff sounds

4. Blood pressure

The correct answer is: Systolic

The first number in a blood pressure reading represents the systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This phase is crucial as it provides insight into how the arteries respond to the pressure exerted from the heart, reflecting the heart's effectiveness in pumping blood throughout the body. Systolic pressure is typically the higher of the two numbers recorded in a blood pressure measurement, demonstrating the maximum pressure during the heartbeat. Understanding systolic pressure is important in assessing cardiovascular health, as elevated levels can indicate an increased risk for heart disease and other conditions. In contrast, the second number reflects diastolic pressure, which gauges the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Kortokoff sounds relate to the sounds heard through a stethoscope when measuring blood pressure but do not pertain to a specific numerical reading. Blood pressure, as a concept, encompasses both systolic and diastolic measurements, which together provide a complete picture of an individual’s vascular health.