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member0612 member0612
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12 years ago
1. Explain the differences in pressure with the arm in different positions. Hint: the pressure in a column of fluid depends on height. In a column of blood, a difference in height of one meter corresponds to a pressure difference of 10.3 kPa or 77 mmHg.

2. Given the variation in pressure with height, in clinical medicine human blood pressure is normally referenced to heart level. Does this usually affect the pressure recorded from the upper arm?


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wrote...
Staff Member
12 years ago
You end up figuring this out?
- Master of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science
member0612 Author
wrote...
12 years ago
yes
wrote...
Staff Member
12 years ago
yes

Will mark as solved! Could you update us with the solutions?
- Master of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science
member0612 Author
wrote...
12 years ago
1. This is to due with the hydrostatic pressure of blood. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood towards the heart due to gravity, and it is affected by height. So when you raise your arm, height increases therefore hydrostatic pressure increases - so the blood exerts more pressure downwards towards the heart. In this instance, the blood pressure pumped by the heart will decrease because some pressure is needed to overcome the increased hydrostatic pressure.
So, when you lower your arm, height decreases, gravity aids blood flow down the arm, hydrostatic pressure decreases therefore blood pressure increases as less pressure is needed to overcome hydrostatic pressure.
2. Yes. The upper arm must to at level with the heart; Otherwise variation is cause by hydrostatic pressure.
wrote...
Staff Member
12 years ago
Thanks!
- Master of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science
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