Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Blood pressure (BP) is a useful measurement to help assess the cardiovascular status of a patient during an anaesthetic, or as a diagnostic test for an underlying cause of ocular changes in cats as a result of high blood pressure. Many agents used during anaesthesia have an affect on the cardiovascular system, and blood pressure in particular so it is important to monitor and correct this if necessary. Some surgical procedures such as portosystemic shunt surgery, for example may have a direct effect on blood pressure and BP must be closely monitored throughout the procedure. 

Blood pressure (BP) is a useful measurement to help assess the cardiovascular status of a patient during an anaesthetic, or as a diagnostic test for an underlying cause of ocular changes in cats as a result of systemic high blood pressure. Bear in mind that in a conscious animal, a stress free environment is useful in preventing a rise in blood pressure which is induced by anxiety, particularly in cats. Many agents used during anaesthesia have an affect on the cardiovascular system, and blood pressure in particular so it is important to monitor sequential readings and correct BP changes if necessary. Some surgical procedures such as portosystemic shunt surgery, for example may have a direct effect on blood pressure and BP must be closely monitored throughout the procedure.

It tends to be difficult to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading in the conscious animal due to the effects of the situation. Some cats, for example, may suffer from the "white coat effect". That is their stress levels have already increased due to being in an unusual environment, and when the vet attempts to take the blood pressure, this will stress them out even more. This has the effect of increasing the blood pressure. That said however, there are still ranges of normal blood pressure that take this into account. It is also difficult to obtain an accurate reading in a sedated or anaesthetised animal because most drugs have an effect on blood pressure. However, measurements can still be taken during surgery, for example, to compare throughout the procedure.

==Normal Arterial Blood Pressures==

==Normal Arterial Blood Pressures==

#The cuff is gently released and a reading is taken when the pulse becomes audible again.

#The cuff is gently released and a reading is taken when the pulse becomes audible again.

*This measures systolic pressure only.

*This measures systolic pressure only.

*Cuff width should ideally be 40% of the circumference of the limb chosen for this method.

*Cuff width should ideally be 40% of the circumference of the limb chosen for this method to be accurate. The cuff should be applied so that only a small finger can be inserted between the cuff and the leg, to ensure that it is neither too tight nor too loose.

'''Advantages'''

'''Advantages'''

*Cheap and available in most practices.

*Cheap and available in most practices.

*High or rising CVP suggests volume overload or a failing heart.

*High or rising CVP suggests volume overload or a failing heart.

 

[[Category:Blood Pressure|A]]

[[Category:Blood Pressure|A]]