Thursday, January 12, 2012

Research Outline and Report



Measuring Blood Pressure In The Lowest Extremities
Sidney Aung
Biomed Science Research Program
Mr.Hyke




Abstract
My research explores the validity and practical uses of measuring blood pressures in the lower extremities instead of the more commonly known medical procedure of measuring blood pressure in the upper extremities. Situations in which measuring blood pressure in the lower extremities would be useful and practical in patients where upper extremity blood pressures cannot be measured accurately in cases such as external compression, tumors, and presences of AV shunts. I tested 15 participants for their upper and lower extremities twice, and my results were valid with my hypothesis. The difference between the upper and lower extremity blood pressures was less than 10 mm Hg. This shows that the method I used for measuring BP in the lower extremities was acceptable, and reliable.

Purpose


The purpose of my experiment is to compare the results of measuring blood pressure in the lower extremities to the results of measuring it in the upper extremities.

Background Information
Blood pressure is theforce of blood against the walls of yours arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: the systolic number as the heart beats and the diastolic number as the heart rests.The device used to measure blood pressure is known as the sphygmomanometer. It has an inflatable cuff attached to restrict blood flow and a mercury manometer is used to measure the pressure. Values are read in “mm Hg.”Read with systolic number on top and diastolic number on bottom. Normal blood pressure is 90-120 mmHg systolic and 60-80 mmHg diastolic. Blood pressure usually falls and rises during the day and High blood pressure(hypertension) is when blood pressure stays elevated over time. High blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg and above. High blood pressure often has no warning signs. Anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender can develop HBP and once hypertension develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. Hypertension increases risk of heart/kidney diseases, and stroke. It is also associated with atherosclerosis and can cause congestive heart failure, and blindness. It is also usually accompanied with an increased risk of heart attack.

Hypothesis
My hypothesis is that the measurement of blood pressure in both the lower and upper extremities will essentially be the same or very close(within 10) if measured correctly.


Materials

Sphygmomanometer
Attached Cuff
Paper
Pencil
Participants(Age 16-20)



Procedure/methodology

Upper Extremities BP measuring:
Have participant sit upright in a chair with feet flat on floor and limbs uncrossed.
Arm rested on table to be at heart level.
place the cuff on bare upper arm, one inch above the bend of elbow.
Evenly tighten the cuff.
Take blood pressure twice and took average.
Lower Extremities BP measuring:
Have participant lay down flat in order for the leg to be at heart level.
Placed cuff on the leg.
Evenly tighten the cuff.
Take blood pressure twice and took average.
Data Collection/Results



Upper extremities (diastolic/systolic)
Lower extremities (diastolic/systolic)
Participant 1
114.5/51.5 mmHg
121/63 mmHg
Participant 2
109/74 mmHg
126/69 mmHg
Participant 3
110.5/69 mmHg
103/41.5 mmHg
Participant 4
113.5/54.5 mmHg
125/54 mmHg
Participant 5
125/49 mmHg
130/37.5 mmHg
Participant 6
132.5/62 mmHg
129.5/53.5 mmHg
Participant 7
117.5/57 mmHg
125/49.5 mmHg
Participant 8
118/65.5 mmHg
127/46.5 mmHg



Upper Extremities (diastolic/systolic)
Lower Extremities (diastolic/systolic)
Participant 9
121/65.5 mmHg
127/54 mmHg
Participant 10
129.5/49.5 mmHg
124.5/71 mmHg
Participant 11
110/62 mmHg
114/67.5 mmHg
Participant 12
127/74.5 mmHg
120.5/57.5 mmHg
Participant 13
120/63.5 mmHg
122.5/61.5 mmHg
Participant 14
119/62.5 mmHg
124.5/56 mmHg
Participant 15
122/62.5 mmHg
120.5/48 mmHg

The average blood pressure was 119.3 mmHg diastolic and 61.5 mmHg systolic for the upper extremities while the average was 116 mmHg systolic and 55.3 mmHg diastolic for the lower extremities.

Analysis
The data I collected from the participants and their respective blood pressure measurements demonstrated fascinating information to me. It showed that measuing blood pressure in the lower extremities of the body is not only practical, but efficient and reliable. I cannot say this for sure unless I perform future experiments that produce similar results, but from what I can infer, it is an efficient method of measuring blood pressure. This method can be used in hospitals and medical facilities and should be incoorporated in those institutes once further researched upon.

Conclusion
My hypothesis was correct, and the difference between the upper and lower extremity blood pressures was less than 10 mm Hg. This shows that the method I used for measuring BP in the lower extremities was acceptable, and reliable.


Possible Sources of Error
Incorrect positioning of participants
Irregular breathing
Talking/laughing/distractions
Adrenaline
Incorrect data input

Acknowledgements
I'd like to acknowledge Dr.Su Hline, family, friends and Mr hyke.

References
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-measure-blood