WCJC Biology 2402 Rev 082110 PAGE 4 Biology 2402 Cardiovascular Physiology: ECG, Heart Sounds, Pulse, and Blood Pressure Purpose: This lab will cover many aspects of cardiovascular physiology including: 1) collection and analysis of an ECG, 2) identification of heart sounds, 3) identifying pulse points, and 4) measurement of blood pressure I. Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) A. Describe sequence of electrical conductivity of the heart B. Use the computer and Pasco hardware to collect an ECG, then: 1. Associate the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave of an ECG with electrical events that occur in the heart 2. Compare ECG results collected after both rest and exercise C. Discuss variables that indicate irregularities in the ECG (dysrhythmias)WCJC Biology 2402 Rev 082110 PAGE 5 II. Heart Sounds A. Identify locations for stethoscope placement B. Use a stethoscope to listen to your heart sounds III. Pulse Rate A. Define pulse. B. Identify and palpate major pulse points IV. Blood Pressure A. Identify the instruments used to measure blood pressure Õ use sphygmomanometer and stethoscope Õ sounds heard through stethoscope are sounds of Korotkoff B. Define the following terms: blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure Õ blood pressure-force per unit area exerted on wall of blood vessel by its blood Õ blood pressure is measured in mmHg Õ systolic blood pressure - pressure in arteries at peak of ventricular ejection Õ diastolic blood pressure - pressure during ventricular relaxation Õ example of normal healthy blood pressure: 110 <--- systolic 80 <--- diastolic C. Understand and use proper procedure for measuring blood pressure 1) Clean earpieces w/ alcohol and let dry 2) Make sure all air is out of cuff 3) Place cuff on arm just above elbow; place stethoscope over brachial artery 4) Close valve on bulb; pump bulb to increase pressure in cuff - up to 160 mmHg (presumably over systolic blood pressure so that the brachial artery will be closed) 5) Open valve slightly to release air --> cuff pressure decreases 6) Listen for first tapping sound. Record as systolic blood pressure. 7) Continue to listen until sound disappears. Record as diastolic