Arterial blood pressure. Part 1: physiology and measurement in cats and dogs

Background: Arterial blood pressure (ABP) is essential to provide adequate perfusion pressure and blood flow to tissues. Usually, ABP is tightly controlled through a variety of complex physiological mechanisms, and significant deviation of ABP from normal may result in end-organ damage. Measurement of ABP is relatively straightforward and can be used to assess cardiovascular function and guide therapeutic decisions. Challenges in the interpretation of ABP may arise due to individual patient factors and may be dependent on the method of measurement.

Aim of the article: This article is the first in a two-part series and aims to review the physiology and measurement of arterial blood pressure in small animal practice. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will focus on the pathophysiology of hypotension and the options for treatment.