What is the diastolic blood pressure determined by in the Korotkoff sounds?

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Diastolic blood pressure is defined as the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, specifically during the filling phase of the heart. In the context of measurement using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope, Korotkoff sounds are critical for determining both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

The fifth Korotkoff sound signifies the point at which blood flow resumes for the last time as pressure in the cuff is released to a level below the systolic pressure. This corresponds to the disappearance of sounds, indicating that the arteries have returned to being fully relaxed (diastolic state). Therefore, the fifth Korotkoff sound is typically used for determining diastolic blood pressure, as it denotes the end of the flow of blood through the artery, which occurs when the pressure is at its lowest point.

While the fourth Korotkoff sound also indicates a sound change that may be considered for diastolic pressure, it is less commonly used in standard practice. The fifth sound is the most definitive and widely accepted indicator for diastolic pressure.

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