What do Korotkoff sounds indicate during a blood pressure measurement?

Korotkoff sounds are integral to the process of measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer. These sounds are the noises that a healthcare practitioner listens for through a stethoscope placed over an artery, typically at the brachial artery in the arm.

The significance of these sounds lies in their ability to indicate the phases of blood flow within the artery as pressure is released from the cuff. The first Korotkoff sound marks the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills the arteries with blood. The absence of sound or a marked change to a different sound signifies the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

This distinction allows healthcare providers to accurately determine both systolic and diastolic pressures, essential components that indicate overall cardiovascular health. Understanding Korotkoff sounds and their relationship to systolic and diastolic pressures is crucial for proper blood pressure assessment and management in patient care.