Korotkoff sounds

Ko·rot·koff sounds

(kŏ-rot'kof),

characteristic noise heard over an artery when pressure over it is reduced below systolic arterial pressure, as when blood pressure is determined by the auscultatory method.

Ko·rot·koff sounds

(kō-rot'kof sowndz)

Aural findings heard during blood pressure determination using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. Sounds originating within the blood passing through the vessel or produced by a vibrating motion of the arterial wall.

Korotkoff sounds

The sounds heard through a stethoscope held over a compressed artery with each pulse beat as the compression is gradually released, in the process of measuring the blood pressure with a SPHYGMOMANOMETER. The first pulse sound heard as blood is able to pass through the narrowed artery is Korotkoff phase I. The sounds get louder as the cuff pressure continues to fall, but then there is a sudden muffling. This is Korotkoff phase IV; the cuff pressure at this point has, in the past, been taken as the diastolic pressure. Soon after that the sounds disappear altogether. This is Korotkoff phase V, the cuff pressure at which is now generally taken as the diastolic. (Nikolai Sergeivich Korotkov, 1874–1920, Russian physician).

Korotkoff,

Nikolai S., Russian physician, 1874-1920.

Korotkoff sounds - sounds heard over an artery when pressure over it is reduced below systolic arterial pressure, as when blood pressure is determined by the auscultatory method.

Korotkoff test - a test of collateral circulation.

Ko·rot·koff sounds

(kō-rot'kof sowndz)

Characteristic noise heard over an artery when pressure over it is reduced below systolic arterial pressure.