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.  There are various methods, both invasive and non invasive of measuring blood pressure.

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.

==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.

#The cuff automatically inflates.

#The cuff automatically inflates.

#As it deflates, oscillation in the cuff is detected electronically.

#As it deflates, oscillation in the cuff is detected electronically.

*Measures systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure as well as pulse rate.  

*Measures systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure as well as pulse rate. The first oscillation of blood flow detected is the systolic pressure, the largest oscillation is equal to the mean pressure, and the oscillations subside at diastolic pressure.

'''Advantages'''

'''Advantages'''

*Good in dogs.

*Good in dogs.

*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]]