Smoking – increases BP. Nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to narrow. The heart must work harder to pump blood through narrowed vessels. 14. Diurnal variations – BP s usually lowest early in the morning, when the metabolic rate is lowest; then rises throughout the day and peaks in the late afternoon or early evening. 15. Disease process – any condition affecting the cardiac output, blood viscosity, and/or compliance of the arteries has a direct effect on the BP.
BP equipment: 1. Sphygmomanometers Aneroid Mercury Electronic / Digital 2. BP cuff Cuff Bulb Valve Tube to sphygmomanometer bladder