Korotkoff Sounds.

Korotkoff Sounds Definition

Korotkoff sounds are blood flow sounds that healthcare providers observe while taking blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer over the brachial artery in the antecubital fossa. These sounds appear and disappear as the blood pressure cuff is inflated and deflated.

As the heart beats, blood forced through the arteries cause a rise in pressure, called systolic pressure, followed by a decrease in pressure as the heart's ventricles prepare for another beat. This low pressure is called the diastolic pressure.

Blood Pressure and Korotkoff Sounds Audio

aneroid manometer

Our Korotkoff Sounds simulator allows you to practice taking blood pressure manually. In each case study, you will be able to practice measuring blood pressure by these steps:
1) Inflate the cuff by pressing the 'Inflate Cuff' button several times
2) Deflate the cuff by selecting one of the 'Open Valve' settings
3) Close the valve
4) Read the blood pressure values while listening for Korotkoff Sounds
5) Switch between dial and mercury sphygmomanometers

Try it! Practice Taking Blood Pressure

Korotkoff Sounds and Blood Pressure
