What is the role of the pressure in a sphygmomanometer when measuring blood pressure?

The sphygmomanometer is specifically designed to measure blood pressure, which is the force of circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels. The pressure reading it provides is crucial for determining the systolic (the pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic (the pressure between heartbeats) blood pressure levels. When the cuff is inflated, it occludes blood flow in the artery; as the pressure decreases, the practitioner listens for specific sounds using a stethoscope. The point at which these sounds begin corresponds to the systolic pressure, and when they fade away, it indicates the diastolic pressure. Thus, the primary role of pressure in a sphygmomanometer is to provide an accurate indication of blood pressure levels, which aids in diagnosing various cardiovascular conditions and assessing overall health.