“Large-Scale Study of Stress, Emotion, and Blood

Pressure in Daily Life Using a Sphygmomanometer”

Project Report
Submitted To

Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara

(Autonomous)

For
PROJECT
In Physics

By
Miss. Karne Rutuja Ajit
Miss. Gaikwad Prachi Mangesh
Miss. Jadhav Sakshi Mohan
B.Sc.III
Under the Guidance of
Mr. A. A. Pisal
Assistant Professor,
Department of Physics
Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara(Autonomous)

1|Page
 Rayat Shikshan Sanstha’s

Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara (Autonomous)

Department of Physics

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that “Miss. Karne Rutuja Ajit, Miss. Gaikwad

Prachi Mangesh, Miss. Jadhav Sakshi Mohan” of 2022-23Year has
successfully completed the Project work entitled “Large-Scale Study of
Stress, Emotion, and Blood Pressure in Daily Life Using a
Sphygmomanometer” in the Project of Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of
Science, Satara (Autonomous).

Date:
Place: Satara

Incharge Head,
Department of Physics

2|Page
 Acknowledgement

This is our pleasure in presenting this project report on partial

fulfilment of “Third year course in Physics.”

I wish to take this opportunity to express my deep sense of

gratitude to all those people who directly & indirectly me in completing my
project successfully.

I would like to thank Dr. A.P.Torane (HOD of Physics

Department) associated with YCIS, Satara (Autonomous) who allow me to
work on this project and guided me throughout its completion. I thank to
Mr. A. A. Pisal to guide me and support to complete my project. I also
thanks to Mr. V. C. Pawar for their encouragement and valuable support
throughout this project.

I am grateful to all staff members of Department of Physics and

all my friend for the help and support they have given to me.

3|Page
 Abstract
This project, titled "A Large-scale Study of Stress, Emotion, and Blood Pressure in
Daily Life Using a Sphygmomanometer," integrates an initial exploration into the physics of
blood pressure measurement with a subsequent investigation into the intricate relationship
between stress, emotions, and blood pressure in individuals' daily lives. We recognize the
importance of establishing a robust foundation in understanding the physics behind blood
pressure measurement to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.

The study will commence with an in-depth examination of the principles and
mechanics involved in blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer. This
foundational phase will include an exploration of sphygmomanometer cuff methods, among
other relevant aspects. By grounding our study in a thorough understanding of the physics
behind blood pressure measurement, we aim to enhance the precision of the physiological
data obtained from participants at regular intervals throughout their daily routines.

The collected data, enriched by a sound understanding of blood pressure

measurement physics, will be analyzed using advanced statistical methods to identify patterns
and correlations between stress, emotional states, and blood pressure fluctuations. By
exploring these connections on a broad scale, we aim to contribute to the understanding of
how daily stressors and emotional experiences impact cardiovascular health.

This comprehensive investigation holds the potential to advance our understanding

of the complex interactions between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health in
real-world settings. The findings from this study, informed by a solid foundation in the
physics of blood pressure measurement, may have implications for healthcare professionals,
researchers, and individuals seeking to manage stress and promote cardiovascular well-being
in their daily lives.

YASHVANTRAO CHAVAN INSTITUTE OF

SCIENCE, SATAR

4|Page
 Introduction

The intricate interplay between stress, emotions, and cardiovascular health has
long been a subject of significant scientific inquiry. In this era of advanced technology and
health monitoring, the utilization of sphygmomanometers provides a unique opportunity to
delve into the physiological responses of individuals in their natural environments. This
project, titled "A Large-scale Study of Stress, Emotion, and Blood Pressure in Daily Life
Using a Sphygmomanometer," not only seeks to unravel the complex relationships between
psychological states and cardiovascular well-being but also places a strong emphasis on
comprehending the physics underlying blood pressure measurement.

The foundational phase of this study will involve a meticulous examination of the
physics behind blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer. Understanding the
intricacies of sphygmomanometer methods is paramount to ensuring the accuracy and
reliability of the physiological data that will be collected. By establishing a solid foundation
in the physics of blood pressure measurement, we aim to enhance the precision of our
subsequent investigations into the dynamic connections between stress, emotions, and blood
pressure fluctuations.

Building upon this foundation, our study will encompass a large-scale exploration,
drawing participants from diverse demographics. Equipped with portable
sphygmomanometers, participants will monitor their blood pressure at regular intervals
throughout their daily lives. Simultaneously, subjective measures of stress and emotions will
be gathered through self-reported surveys and validated assessment tools, providing a
comprehensive understanding of participants' psychological states.

The subsequent analysis of this multifaceted dataset, enriched by our

understanding of blood pressure measurement physics, will employ advanced statistical
methods to uncover patterns and correlations. Through this approach, we aim to contribute
valuable insights into how daily stressors and emotional experiences impact cardiovascular
health on a broad scale. The implications of our findings extend to healthcare professionals,
researchers, and individuals seeking evidence-based strategies to manage stress and promote
cardiovascular well-being in real-world contexts. This project, at the intersection of
physiological measurement and psychological health, holds the potential to advance our
knowledge and inform targeted interventions for improved public health outcomes.

5|Page
 Methodology
PART-I

What is blood pressure and how is it measured?

The heart supplies the organs and tissues of the body with blood. With every beat, it
pumps blood into the large blood vessels of the circulatory system. As the blood moves
around the body, it puts pressure on the walls of the vessels. Blood pressure readings are
made up of two values:
 Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats – while the heart muscle
is contracting (squeezing) and pumping oxygen-rich blood into the blood vessels.
 Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle
relaxes. The diastolic pressure is always lower than the systolic pressure.
Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The readings
are always given in pairs, with the upper (systolic) value first, followed by the lower
(diastolic) value.
So someone who has a reading of 132/88 mmHg (often spoken “132 over 88”) has a
 systolic blood pressure of 132 mmHg, and a
 diastolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg.

How is blood pressure measured?

It's important to measure blood pressure more than once because it fluctuates over the
course of the day. It can also change due to things like physical exertion, stress, pain, or
extreme heat or cold. But this kind of increase in blood pressure is only temporary and it soon
returns to normal.

So, if blood pressure is measured just once and found to be high, it doesn't necessarily
mean that it's always too high. A blood pressure reading taken at the doctor’s office can also
be misleading: Going to the doctor makes some people so nervous that their blood pressure
goes up.

6|Page
 So to get reliable readings, blood pressure is measured on several different days and
while you are resting. This means sitting down and relaxing on a chair, and waiting about
three minutes before taking a measurement so that your circulatory system comes to rest. The
upper arm that is being used for the measurement should rest on a table, at about the same
height as the heart, while the reading is being done.

Sphygmomanometer is a medical instrument that detects and measures blood pressure.

It is also known as a blood pressure gauge, a blood pressure meter, or a blood pressure
monitor. By measuring the force exerted by the heart in moving blood, this gadget may
measure blood pressure. It is beneficial to keep track of vital signs, particularly blood
pressure (especially to monitor hypertension), heart rate, and rhythm. It can also be used to
listen to heart and breathing sounds.

Sphygmomanometer parts contain:

 An Inflatable Cuff
 A Measuring Unit (which can be obtained from the Mercury Manometer, or Aneroid
Gauge)
 A Mechanism for Inflation which is either a manually operated bulb and Valve or an
electrically operate Pump

The word sphygmomanometer was first derived from the Greek word “sphygmos”
which meant “beating of the heart or the pulse”, while “manometer” translated to a device
used for measuring pressure or tension.

Blood Pressure

Common arterial blood pressure measurements typically produce values of 120 mm

Hg and 80 mm Hg, respectively, for systolic and diastolic pressures. Both pressures have

7|Page
health implications. When systolic pressure is chronically high, the risk of stroke and heart
attack is increased. If, however, it is too low, fainting is a problem. Systolic pressure
increases dramatically during exercise to increase blood flow and returns to normal afterward.
This change produces no ill effects and, in fact, may be beneficial to the tone of the
circulatory system. Diastolic pressure can be an indicator of fluid balance. When low, it may
indicate that a person is hemorrhaging internally and needs a transfusion. Conversely, high
diastolic pressure indicates a ballooning of the blood vessels, which may be due to the
transfusion of too much fluid into the circulatory system. High diastolic pressure is also an
indication that blood vessels are not dilating properly to pass blood through. This can
seriously strain the heart in its attempt to pump blood.

Blood leaves the heart at about 120 mm Hg but its pressure continues to decrease (to
almost 0) as it goes from the aorta to smaller arteries to small veins (see Figure 1). The
pressure differences in the circulation system are caused by blood flow through the system as
well as the position of the person. For a person standing up, the pressure in the feet will be
larger than at the heart due to the weight of the blood (P = hρg). If we assume that the
distance between the heart and the feet of a person in an upright position is 1.4 m, then the
increase in pressure in the feet relative to that in the heart (for a static column of blood) is
given by

ΔP=Δhρg=(1.4 m)(1050 kg/m3)(9.80 m/s2)=1.4×104 Pa=108 mm Hg

Stress and high blood pressure: What is the connection?

Stress can cause short-term spikes in blood pressure. Taking steps to reduce stress can
improve your heart health.

Being under stress can cause your blood pressure to spike briefly. But researchers aren't
sure whether stress can cause blood pressure to rise long-term.

8|Page
 Experts do know that exercising 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes can lower stress. For
people with high blood pressure, doing activities that help manage stress and improve health
can help lower blood pressure.

Reactions to stress can affect blood pressure

The body releases a surge of hormones when under stress. These hormones cause the
heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to narrow. These actions increase blood pressure for
a time.

There is no proof that stress by itself causes long-term high blood pressure. But reacting
to stress in unhealthy ways can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and
stroke. Behaviors linked to higher blood pressure include:

 Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.

 Eating unhealthy foods.
 Eating too much.
 Not moving enough.

Heart disease also might be linked to certain health conditions related to stress, such as:

 Anxiety.
 Depression.
 Being cut off from friends and family.

There is no proof that these conditions are directly linked to high blood pressure. But the
hormones the body makes when under emotional stress might damage arteries. The artery
damage might lead to heart disease. And symptoms of depression and anxiety might cause
some people to forget to take medicines to control high blood pressure or other heart
conditions.

Stress can cause a steep rise in blood pressure. But when stress goes away, blood
pressure returns to what it was before the stress. However, short spikes in blood pressure can
cause heart attacks or strokes and may also damage blood vessels, the heart and the kidneys
over time. The damage is like the damage from long-term high blood pressure.

Stress-reducing activities can help lower blood pressure

Although people with high stress and high blood pressure would generally see blood
pressure go down after controlling stress, reducing stress might not lower blood pressure in
everyone. But managing stress can help improve health in other ways. Learning how to
manage stress can lead to healthy behavior changes — including those that lower blood
pressure.

Here are some ways to manage stress:

9|Page
  Adjust your schedule. If you have too much to do, look at your calendar and to-do
lists. Ask others to do some things. Schedule less time for activities that aren't
important to you. Say no to things you don't want to do.
 Breathe to relax. Taking deep, slow breaths can help you relax.
 Exercise regularly. Physical activity eases stress. Before starting an exercise program,
get your health care provider's OK. This is even more important for those with high
blood pressure.
 Try yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation help you relax.
 Get enough sleep. Too little sleep can make problems seem worse than they are.
 Change how you see challenges. When dealing with problems, accept your feelings
about a situation. Then find ways to solve it.
 Learn what works for you. Be willing to try new things. Get the health benefits, which
might include lowering blood pressure.

You can measure your blood pressure on your own using a digital blood pressure
monitor for automated readings or an instrument called a sphygmomanometer for manual
readings.

The physics behind blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer involves

the principles of fluid dynamics, pressure, and the characteristics of blood flow within the
arteries. A sphygmomanometer is commonly used to measure blood pressure, and it typically
consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure bulb, and a pressure gauge or mercury column. The
process of measuring blood pressure can be broken down into several key steps:

Cuff Inflation:

The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated using the pressure bulb. As the
cuff inflates, it compresses the brachial artery, temporarily stopping blood flow to the arm.

Auscultation or Oscillometry:

Auscultation involves listening for characteristic sounds (Korotkoff sounds) produced

by turbulent blood flow as the cuff pressure is gradually released. These sounds indicate the
resumption of blood flow.

Oscillometry is an alternative method that measures the oscillations in pressure caused

by the pulsatile blood flow. Sensors in the cuff detect these oscillations.

Determining Systolic and Diastolic Pressures:

1. Systolic pressure is the pressure at which the first Korotkoff sound or the onset of
oscillations is detected, indicating the reopening of the artery during each heartbeat.
2. Diastolic pressure is the pressure at which the Korotkoff sounds disappear or when
the oscillations cease, signifying the point when blood flow becomes continuous.

The physics behind these measurements can be explained by fundamental principles:

Hydrodynamics: Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by blood against the walls
of the arteries. The cuff, when inflated, compresses the artery, blocking blood flow. As the

10 | P a g e
cuff pressure is gradually released, blood starts to flow again, and the pressure at which this
occurs corresponds to the systolic pressure.

Auscultatory Gap: In some individuals, there may be a brief period during cuff deflation
where the Korotkoff sounds disappear before reappearing. This phenomenon is known as the
auscultatory gap and is influenced by factors such as arterial stiffness.

Arterial Pulsatility: The pulsatile nature of blood flow in the arteries contributes to the
oscillations detected during oscillometric measurements. Changes in pressure within the cuff
correspond to variations in blood volume caused by each heartbeat.

Understanding these principles is crucial for obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements.
Proper calibration of the sphygmomanometer, correct placement of the cuff, and
consideration of factors like the auscultatory gap contribute to the reliability of blood
pressure readings, making the physics behind blood pressure measurement a critical aspect of
cardiovascular diagnostics.

PART-II

Physics of Blood Pressure Measurement Training:

 Conduct a comprehensive review of the physics behind blood pressure measurement,

including cuff inflation, auscultation, and oscillometric methods.
 Provide training sessions for research staff involved in data collection to ensure
standardized and accurate blood pressure measurements across participants.

Participant Recruitment and Informed Consent:

 Recruit a diverse participant pool representative of different demographics, ensuring a

broad range of ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds.
 Obtain informed consent from participants, explaining the study objectives,
procedures, and addressing any concerns or questions.

Baseline Assessment:

 Administer a baseline assessment to collect demographic information, medical history,

and baseline blood pressure measurements for each participant.

Sphygmomanometer Distribution:

 Provide participants with portable sphygmomanometers equipped with accurate

calibration.
 Instruct participants on the proper use of the devices and establish a schedule for
regular blood pressure measurements throughout their daily routines.

11 | P a g e
Subjective Measures:

 Implement self-reported surveys and validated assessment tools to collect subjective

data on participants' stress levels and emotional states at specified intervals.
 Ensure that the surveys are culturally sensitive and applicable to diverse populations.

Data Collection:

 Implement a robust data collection plan, specifying the frequency and duration of
blood pressure measurements and subjective assessments.
 Utilize a secure and confidential data management system to store and organize
collected data.

Statistical Analysis:

 Employ advanced statistical methods, such as regression analysis and time-series

analysis, to examine patterns and correlations within the collected data.
 Explore potential confounding variables and consider subgroup analyses to identify
nuanced relationships.

Ethical Considerations:

 Adhere to ethical guidelines throughout the study, ensuring participant confidentiality,

privacy, and the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
 Obtain necessary ethical approvals from relevant institutional review boards.

Data Interpretation and Reporting:

 Interpret the findings in the context of the study objectives and existing literature.
 Prepare a detailed report outlining the relationships between stress, emotions, and
blood pressure, emphasizing the implications for healthcare and potential avenues for
further research.

Dissemination of Results:

 Share the study results through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and other
relevant platforms to contribute to the scientific community and inform public health
strategies.
 By meticulously following this methodology, we aim to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the dynamics between stress, emotions, and blood pressure in daily
life, leveraging the insights gained from the physics of blood pressure measurement.

The interpretation of findings is grounded in the study's objectives and existing

literature. A comprehensive report is prepared, detailing the intricate dynamics between stress,
emotions, and blood pressure. The implications for healthcare and potential avenues for
future research are highlighted. This methodology aims to contribute valuable insights to the
scientific community, informing public health strategies and advancing our understanding of
the interplay between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health in real-world
contexts.

12 | P a g e
 Conclusion
In conclusion, the physics behind blood pressure measurement using a
sphygmomanometer is not only rooted in fundamental principles of fluid dynamics but is also
intricately connected to the physiological responses influenced by stress. The process
involves the inflation and gradual deflation of a cuff around the upper arm, temporarily
halting and then allowing blood flow. The detection of characteristic sounds (Korotkoff
sounds) or oscillations during this process corresponds to systolic and diastolic blood
pressure values, respectively.

The hydrodynamic principles underpinning blood pressure measurement highlight

the significance of cuff pressure in temporarily occluding the artery and subsequently
allowing blood flow. Importantly, stress can play a significant role in blood pressure
dynamics. Stress-induced physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and
vasoconstriction, contribute to variations in blood pressure readings.

Understanding the nuanced interplay between stress and blood pressure is crucial for
accurate measurements. Stress can manifest as an additional factor influencing the arterial
response during cuff inflation and deflation. Calibration, proper cuff placement, and an
awareness of stress-related variations contribute to the reliability of blood pressure readings.

As we consider the physics of blood pressure measurement, the integration of stress

as a contributing factor emphasizes the broader implications for healthcare. Recognizing
stress-induced fluctuations in blood pressure not only enhances diagnostic precision but also
underscores the holistic nature of cardiovascular health assessments. In an era where the
impact of stress on well-being is increasingly acknowledged, this nuanced understanding
ensures that blood pressure measurements serve as not only markers of cardiovascular health
but also as indicators of the intricate interplay between physiological responses and
psychological stressors.

13 | P a g e
 References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279251/#:~:text=A%20sphygmomanomete
r%20has%20three%20parts,found%20in%20your%20upper%20arm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121444/#:~:text=Oscillatory%20de
vices%20produce%20a%20digital,and%20transduced%20into%20electrical%20signa
ls
3. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-physics/chapter/11-9-pressures-in-the-body/
4. https://collegedunia.com/exams/sphygmomanometer-physics-articleid-1748
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/stress-
and-high-blood-pressure/art-
20044190#:~:text=Stress%20can%20cause%20short%2Dterm,pressure%20to%20rise
%20long%2Dterm
6. Homan TD, Bordes SJ, Cichowski E (12 July 2022). "Physiology, Pulse Pressure"

7. Schneiderman N, Ironson G, Siegel SD (2005). "Stress and health: psychological, behavioral, and
biological determinants"

14 | P a g e