Station A: Cardiovascular
Mission: Investigate how the heart responds to stress and interpret the secret code of blood pressure numbers.
PART 1: THE INVESTIGATION (Instructions)
Work with your partner. One person is the Patient, one is the Doctor. Then switch.
Step 1: Learn the Technique
Watch the video above: High blood pressure vs hypertension: what’s the difference?
Pay attention to: The definitions of “Systolic” and “Diastolic.”
Step 2: Collect “Resting” Data (Baseline)
Sit: The patient must sit quietly for 1 minute. Feet flat on the floor. No talking.
Wrap: Place the cuff on the upper arm (1 inch above the elbow).
Measure: Press the START button. Record the BP and Heart Rate on your chart.
Step 3: Collect “Stress” Data
Move: The patient performs 20 jumping jacks or squats (be safe!).
Measure: Immediately sit down and take the blood pressure again.
Observe: How much did the numbers change?
Step 4: Collect “Recovery” Data
Wait: Sit quietly for 60 seconds.
Measure: Take the blood pressure one last time. Did it go back to normal?
PART 2: DECODING THE DATA
Use this guide to analyze your patient’s numbers.
1. The Two Numbers
Blood pressure is recorded as a fraction (e.g., 120/80).
Top Number (Systolic): The pressure when the heart BEATS (pushes blood out).
Bottom Number (Diastolic): The pressure when the heart RESTS (fills with blood).
Which is more important? Both matter, but for people over 50, the top number (Systolic) is a major risk factor for heart disease.
2. Diagnosis Chart
Where does your patient fit?
| Category | Systolic (Top #) | Diastolic (Bottom #) | Action Needed | |
| NORMAL | Less than 120 | AND | Less than 80 | Keep healthy habits! |
| ELEVATED | 120 – 129 | AND | Less than 80 | Prevent it from getting worse. |
| STAGE 1 (High) | 130 – 139 | OR | 80 – 89 | Lifestyle changes (Diet/Exercise). |
| STAGE 2 (High) | 140 or higher | OR | 90 or higher | Doctor may prescribe medication. |
| CRISIS | Higher than 180 | AND/OR | Higher than 120 | CALL 911 if you have symptoms! |
3. What is “The Silent Killer”?
High Blood Pressure is called Hypertension.
The Risk: It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
The Problem: It usually has NO SYMPTOMS. You only know you have it if you measure it.
The Symptoms (in severe cases): Chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking.
4. The Prescription
How do doctors treat this?
Normal/Elevated: Stick to heart-healthy habits (Balanced diet & Exercise).
Stage 1: Lifestyle changes. Maybe medication if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Stage 2: Blood pressure medication + Lifestyle changes.
Crisis (180/120+): Wait 1 minute and test again. If still high, call a doctor immediately. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, Call 911.