Michael S. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D
University of Miami

We shall now determine this patient’s blood pressure, placing the diaphragm over the brachial artery and pumping up our cuff, exceeding the systolic pressure, and carefully listening while we observe the sphygmomanometer. [Korotkoff sounds]

This patient’s blood pressure is 160/35, a wide pulse pressure associated with both a high systolic and a reduced diastolic pressure.