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use of mmHg - ddd
Posted: Jul 22, 2010
Just a general question about usage of an archiac term. I don't believed that Mercury can be used or is used, so why is the term mm of mercury still in use? Wouldn't it just be mm of pressure?
mmHg -- see message - elaine
[ In Reply To ..]It's actually not an archaic term, but simply the unit used to measure pressure.
Each point of blood pressure is equal to the amount of pressure it takes to make a column of mercury in a tube rise 1 mm.
You can't say milllimeters of pressure, because a millimeter is a measure of distance. When you discuss how much force is required to move 1 mm of mercury, then you have a means of measuring pressure: mmHg.
It has to do with gravity and the density of mercury, and all of this was figured out a long time ago by much better brains than mine!
Even in devices that don't actually use mercury, the device is calibrated to this standard of measure.
Hope that helps!
Thank you Elaine, even though... - ddd
[ In Reply To ..]I work at surgery center and many doctors are now stating mm of pressure rather than mm of Mercury, yet others still use mm of Mercury, so I guess I am still "confused" and will just type what they say.
: ) that's interesting, ddd - elaine
[ In Reply To ..]I've never heard mm of pressure, but no doubt I will hear it soon! Everything is evolving! I think you're wise to type it as you hear it. Thanks for sharing your interesting experience!
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