What are Korotkoff sounds used to evaluate?

Korotkoff sounds are specific noises that medical professionals listen for when measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. These sounds are produced by the turbulent blood flow in the arteries when pressure in the cuff is decreased and blood begins to flow again.

The first sound, which is a clear tapping noise, indicates the systolic blood pressure, while the sounds that follow indicate different phases of blood flow until they disappear, which marks the diastolic pressure. This method is the standard technique used for accurately assessing a patient's blood pressure, which is a critical vital sign that reflects the force of blood against the walls of the arteries during the heart’s contraction and relaxation phases.