What specific pressure does a Doppler blood pressure monitor assess?

A Doppler blood pressure monitor specifically measures systolic pressure. This type of monitor utilizes ultrasound technology to detect blood flow and is particularly effective in assessing the moment when the pressure in the cuff is lowered to the point where blood first begins to flow through the artery. This occurrence corresponds to systolic pressure, which is the highest pressure in the arteries during heartbeats.

The technology relies on the Doppler effect, which enables the monitor to detect changes in frequency of sound waves caused by the movement of blood cells. As the cuff's pressure is gradually released, the sound of blood flow becomes detectable and is effectively used to pinpoint systolic pressure.

In contrast, mean arterial pressure represents a different measure that encompasses both systolic and diastolic pressures over a cycle, while diastolic pressure refers to the lowest pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. The Doppler monitor does not assess these pressures directly. Additionally, arterial and venous pressures are distinct, with a Doppler device primarily focused on arterial pressure, hence the latter option does not accurately represent the capabilities of a Doppler monitor.